Crossword Genius

Girls with deceptive stories to ensnare idiot (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lassies

'girls' is the definition.
(I know this)

'deceptive stories to ensnare idiot' is the wordplay.
'deceptive stories' becomes 'lies' (lies deceive people).
'to ensnare' indicates putting letters inside.
'idiot' becomes 'ass' (both can mean a stupid person).
'lies' placed around 'ass' is 'LASSIES'.

'with' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for lassies that I've seen before include "Young women" , "Wee Scottish girls" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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