What does the cryptic crossword clue "Excuses one under five running through Smiths (8)" mean?

The definition is "Excuses". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). IV (synonym="Roman numerals for four [one under five]") in FORGES (synonym="[black] SMITHS’ working areas") = FORGIVES; definition: "Excuses" The answer is FORGIVES.

Excuses one under five running through Smiths (8)

Independent Cryptic #12074 | 23 Across | 2025-06-20 flower

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