Cryptic crossword clue
Once in a while actor pays one small time imitator  7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word COPYIST

C
O
P
Y
I
S
T

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "imitator" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case imitator = copyist.
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 COPYIST mean?

COPYIST noun
  1. A person who makes manual copies of works such as manuscripts or paintings.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations