Crossword Genius

Former copper initially suspended and partner gets pardon (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excuse

'pardon' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'former copper initially suspended and partner' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex'.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'partner' becomes 'e'.
The initial letter of 'suspended' is 's'.
'ex'+'cu'+'s'+'e'='EXCUSE'

'gets' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for excuse that I've seen before include "Upstanding community members" , "Seek to justify (a fault)" , "Pardon or forgive" , "Pardon, or release from obligation" , "Forgive - allow to pass - plea" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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