Clue: Quietly going, sacked? Bland response … well, lies (1 down justifying why not) (7,4,2,7)
Answer: LESSONS WILL BE LEARNED
Explanation: Definition: (1 down justifying why not)
=a *CLICHE* used to justify not sacking someone for a mistake
 "sacked" as anagram indicator for (Bland res**p**onse well lies)*; with the **p** (piano)="Quietly" removed/"going"