Crossword Genius

Outside, copper has me taking in direction with my apology (6,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excuse me

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

'apology' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'outside copper has me taking in direction with my' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'outside' could be 'ex' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ex' is found within the answer.
'copper' could be 'cu' (chemical symbol) and 'cu' is found within the answer.
'me' is within the answer.
'direction' could be 'se' (SE is an example) and 'se' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for excuse me that I've seen before include "I would like to leave" , "Sort of dance - apology" , "said to attract attention" , "Polite apology" , "Polite request (for partner?)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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