Crossword Genius

Clear directions when entering old address (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exonerate

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'clear' is the definition.
(to clear of criminal charges)

'directions when entering old address' is the wordplay.
'directions' becomes 'ne' (I've seen this in other clues).
'when entering' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'old' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'address' becomes 'orate' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ex'+'orate'='exorate'
'ne' inserted within 'exorate' is 'EXONERATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Discharge" , "free of charge" , "Justify" , "Release" , "Excuse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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