弁明

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 弁明, read べんめい, means explaining one's circumstances in response to suspicion or criticism.
• Basic usage: Use it for explaining lateness or having a chance to clear up a misunderstanding.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Not necessarily a mere excuse
  • It may sound like making excuses, as 言い訳 can, but it can also describe a legitimate explanation in one's defense.
• An opportunity to explain
  • The example's 弁明の機会 means a chance to explain oneself.