What does the cryptic crossword clue "Understudy (being separated) to offer a bribe? Despicable! (7,8)" mean?

The definition is "Despicable". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). BENEATH (synonym="under") + CON (synonym="study") + TEMPT (synonym="offer a bribe") = BENEATHCONTEMPT; definition: "Despicable!" The answer is BENEATHCONTEMPT.

Understudy (being separated) to offer a bribe? Despicable! (7,8)

Guardian Cryptic #29085 | 5 Down | 2023-06-01 flower

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