Cryptic crossword clue
Tar perhaps filling in this clearing 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ABSOLVING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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Buddy explains!

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

ABSOLVING verb
  1. To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
  2. To resolve; to explain; to solve.
  3. To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
  4. To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.
  5. To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to.
  6. To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin.
  7. To finish; to accomplish.
  8. To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.

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