The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EXPIATE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
P
I
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result EXPIATE
- Make up for mistake by Head introducing one
- Reformed buccaneer having run away to square sins?
- Make good old loaf stuffed with last of salami
- Make up for first of indiscretions admitted by old head
- Make amends for Windows version 8 in speech
- Pay for former head to tour Italy
- Pay for person living abroad to accommodate one European
- Pay for former wife, French dish squeezing one
- Make amends for former buccaneer ignoring queen
- Run from former buccaneer, right?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "to square sins" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to square sins = expiate.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 EXPIATE mean?
EXPIATE verb- To atone or make reparation for.
- To make amends or pay the penalty for.
- To relieve or cleanse of guilt.
- To purify with sacred rites.
- To wind up, bring to an end.