The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SKEWING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result SKEWING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "taking an oblique course" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case taking an oblique course = skewing.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SKEWING mean?
SKEWING verb- To form or shape in an oblique way; to cause to take an oblique position.
- To bias or distort in a particular direction.
- To hurl or throw.
- To move obliquely; to move sideways, to sidle; to lie obliquely.
- To jump back or sideways in fear or surprise; to shy, as a horse.
- To look at obliquely; to squint; hence, to look slightingly or suspiciously.
- The act of making something skewed; an alteration in a particular direction.