Crossword Genius

Care had to be exercised in this absurd pretence (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

charade

'this absurd pretence' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'care had to be exercised' is the wordplay.
'to be exercised' indicates an anagram.
'care'+'had'='carehad'
'carehad' with letters rearranged gives 'CHARADE'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for charade that I've seen before include "Ludicrous pretence" , "An absurd pretence, could be a game" , "absurd behaviour" , "Had care in the acted riddle" , "absurd act" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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