Crossword Genius

Is a substitute to tolerate wrongdoing? (6,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stands in

'is a substitute' is the definition.

'tolerate wrongdoing?' is the wordplay.
'tolerate' becomes 'stand' (synonyms).
'wrongdoing?' becomes 'sin' (sin is a kind of wrongdoing).
'stand'+'sin'='STANDS IN'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for stands in that I've seen before include "Acts as a substitute" , "acts for the moment" , "Deputises" , "deputy" , "Substitutes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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