Crossword Genius

The first excuse for betrayal? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treason

'betrayal?' is the definition.
('treason' can be a synonym of 'betrayal')

'the first excuse' is the wordplay.
'the first' becomes 't' (1st letter of 'the').
'excuse' becomes 'reason' (I've seen this before).
't'+'reason'='TREASON'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for treason that I've seen before include "Crime of treachery against the state" , "Mutiny" , "Betraying one's country" , "Deliberate act of betrayal" , "Crime of disloyalty" .)

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