On the one hand, denies spilling the oil (7)

I believe the answer is:

linseed

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'the oil' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'on the one hand denies spilling' is the wordplay.
'on the one hand' becomes 'l' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'spilling' indicates an anagram.
'denies' is an anagram of 'inseed'.
'l'+'inseed'='LINSEED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for linseed that I've seen before include "Treatment for bats" , "Source of plant oil" , "Oil producer" , "Part of flax used as oil" , "Oil-producing plant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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