Crossword Genius

Single rodent seen in river that's clear (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exonerate

'clear' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'single rodent seen in river' is the wordplay.
'single' becomes 'one' (similar in meaning).
'rodent' becomes 'rat' (rat is a kind of rodent).
'seen in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'river' becomes 'exe' (River Exe).
'one'+'rat'='onerat'
'onerat' put within 'exe' is 'EXONERATE'.

'that's' is the link.

(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Free from obligation, blame" , "Acquit" , "Justify" , "Excuse" , "Pronounce not guilty of a crime" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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