Crossword Genius

Not a scenario that's involved pals (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cronies

'pals' is the definition.
('crony' can be a synonym of 'pal')

'not a scenario that's involved' is the wordplay.
'not' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'that's involved' is an anagram indicator (involved can mean confusing or complex).
'scenario' with 'a' removed is 'scenrio'.
'scenrio' is an anagram of 'CRONIES'.

(Another definition for cronies that I've seen is " 'Buddies, sidekicks (7)'".)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app