What does the cryptic crossword clue "US criminal and others embracing universal proposal is an impossibility? (9,6)" mean?

This cryptic clue uses wordplay to arrive at the answer. Visit the page for progressive hints — definition, wordplay type, and a full step-by-step explanation.

US criminal and others embracing universal proposal is an impossibility? (9,6)

Q: What is the answer to "US criminal and others embracing universal proposal is an impossibility? (9,6)"?

The answer is PERPETUAL MOTION.

Times Cryptic #28856 | 2 Down | 2024-03-05

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I haven't cracked this one yet — but the brilliant team at Times for the Times have:

PERP (US criminal – perpetrator) + ET AL (and others) containing [embracing] U (universal), then finally MOTION (proposal)

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