Crossword Genius

Not using cipher to frame article, free from suspicion (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in the clear

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not using cipher to frame' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'article free from suspicion' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'article' could be 'the' (the definite article in English) and 'the' is present in the answer.
'free' could be 'clear' (similar in meaning) and 'clear' is present in the answer.
'from' could be 'in' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'in' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in the clear that I've seen before include "Free of suspicion, guilt or blame" , "suspect? Not any more" , "No longer in danger or suspected of something" , "No longer under suspicion" , "Exonerated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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