Crossword Genius

Clear the name of boyfriend no longer on ecstasy and speed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exonerate

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'clear' is the definition.
(to clear of criminal charges)

'no longer on ecstasy and speed' is the wordplay.
'no longer' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'ecstasy' becomes 'E' (informal term for the drug).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'speed' becomes 'rate' (the speed at which something happens).
'ex'+'on'+'e'+'rate'='EXONERATE'

'the name of boyfriend' is the link.
This may not be right. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Discharge" , "Declare to be blameless (9)" , "free of charge" , "let off the hook" , "Free from obligation, blame" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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