Crossword Genius

Setter admits being short about it but gets exemption (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impunity

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

'exemption' is the definition.
(I know that impunity is a type of exemption)

'setter admits being short about it but' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'setter' could be 'i' (the person who set this crossword) and 'i' is located in the answer.
'being' could be 'mp' (MP is an example) and 'mp' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'gets' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for impunity that I've seen before include "Rascal, by agreement, gets exemption" , "Freedom from punishment" , "impossibility of punishment" , "Exemption from punishment or loss" , "Protection from blame" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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