Crossword Genius

Corrupt metal starts to affect smartphone charger? (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lead astray

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'metal starts to affect smartphone charger?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'metal' could be 'lead' (lead is a kind of metal) and 'lead' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'astray' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lead astray that I've seen before include "Encourage departure from the straight and narrow?" , "Draw into wrong course" , "Pervert" , "Misdirect - seduce" , "Seduce into wrongdoing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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