Crossword Genius

An excuse for a foreword perhaps (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pretext

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'an excuse' is the definition.
(a pretext is an excuse or pretence)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for pretext that I've seen before include "False excuse" , "Alleged reason" , "Ostensible justification" , "Excuse, ruse" , "Specious excuse" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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