How to lie to avoid detection? Try tail first (5)
I believe the answer is:
doggo
'how to lie' is the definition.
(as in 'to lie doggo' to avoid detection)
'try tail first' is the wordplay.
'try' becomes 'go' (both can mean an attempt).
'tail' becomes 'dog' (both can mean to follow).
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'go' after 'dog' is 'DOGGO'.
'to avoid detection?' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for doggo that I've seen before include "(Lie) in concealment" , "Lie . . . . . , motionless or hidden" , "lying low" , "in secret" , "neither seen nor heard" .)