Crossword Genius

Stretch out scandal involving Mister Musk? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elongate

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

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

'scandal involving mister musk?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'scandal' could be 'gate' (as in Watergate and other formations) and 'gate' is present in the answer.
'musk?' could be 'elon' (Elon Musk) and 'elon' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elongate that I've seen before include "Spread" , "Make longer" , "very thin" , "Gone late oddly to extend" , "stretcher will do!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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