Crossword Genius

Thief's initial motive for crime (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treason

'crime' is the definition.
(treason is a kind of crime)

'thief's initial motive' is the wordplay.
'initial' suggests taking the first letters.
'motive' becomes 'reason' (reason is a kind of motive).
The initial letter of 'thiefs' is 't'.
't'+'reason'='TREASON'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for treason that I've seen before include "LEse-majestE" , "Lese-majesty" , "Senator (anag)" , "Stare on (anag.)" , "Mutiny" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.