Many a big noise in illegal business succeeded (7)
I believe the answer is:
rackets
'many a big noise in illegal business' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'succeeded' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'succeeded' could be 's' (genealogical abbreviation) and 's' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'racket' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rackets that I've seen before include "Dodges" , "may be covered in the press" , "Game - noises" , "Stringed bats or loud sessions" , "Criminal activities" .)