What does the cryptic crossword clue "Machiavellian characteristic of speech breaking friendship (9)" mean?

The definition is "Machiavellian characteristic". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). ORAL (synonym="of speech") in AMITY (synonym="friendship") = AMORALITY; definition: "Machiavellian characteristic" The answer is AMORALITY.

Machiavellian characteristic of speech breaking friendship (9)

Times Cryptic #28988 | 14 Down | 2024-08-06 flower

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