This excuse is out of place (5)
I believe the answer is:
alibi
This clue might be a double definition.
'this excuse' is the first definition.
(excuse given by a suspect in an investigation)
'out of place' is the second definition.
'alibi' can be an answer for 'out' (I've seen this in another clue). I am unsure of the 'of place' bit.
'is' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for alibi that I've seen before include "that gets him off the hook?" , "Evidence of (or excuse for) being somewhere else at the time" , "Evidence that the accused could not have been guilty" , "Reason often given to exculpate someone" , "Timely get-out" .)