Excuses small cuts (6)
I believe the answer is:
spares
'excuses' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'small cuts' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'cuts' becomes 'pares' (paring is a kind of cutting).
's'+'pares'='SPARES'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spares that I've seen before include "Extras in case of necessity" , "Extras with spears" , "Replacement items, like tyres" , "Is merciful towards, refrains from hurting" , "Lets off; reserve parts" .)