Crossword puzzle clue "long elaborate deceit"

to study carefully

a long period of time, also AEON

ARTIST, one who is skilled in art

(French) a written or (now usually) acted clue from which a syllable of a word or a complete word is to be guessed

to swindle

to escape or avoid by cunning

EVADE, to escape or avoid by cunning

the practice of faking