Making amends (7)
'making amends' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Another definition for atoning that I've seen is " An ingot given for mending past wrongs".)
'making amends' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for atonement that I've seen before include "Making amends" , "needed to make amends" , "satisfaction" , "Expiation of sin, penance" , "Compensation for a wrong" .)