Crossword Genius

Forgive a bishop taking crack (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absolve

'forgive' is the definition.
(absolving is a kind of forgiving)

'a bishop taking crack' is the wordplay.
'bishop' becomes 'B' (abbreviation for bishop in chess).
'taking' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'crack' becomes 'solve' (crack can mean to solve or decipher).
'a'+'b'+'solve'='ABSOLVE'

(Other definitions for absolve that I've seen before include "Exonerate" , "Exculpate" , "Grant pardon for" , "Acquit - free of blame" , "Excuse" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.