Crossword Genius

During meal I bite an excuse (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alibi

'an excuse' is the definition.
(excuse given by a suspect in an investigation)

'during meal i bite' is the wordplay.
'during' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ALIBI' is hidden in the letters of 'meal i bite'.

(Other definitions for alibi that I've seen before include "Evidence one was elsewhere at time of crime" , "Proof of not being at crime site" , "Proof one was elsewhere when crime was committed" , "Courtroom evidence" , "Defence against accusation - was seen elsewhere at the time" .)

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