Crossword Genius

Metal in non-solid state on salver is deceiving (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leading astray

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

'deceiving' is the definition.
('lead astray' can be a synonym of 'deceive')

'metal in non-solid state on salver' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'metal' could be 'lead' (lead is a kind of metal) and 'lead' is present in the answer.
'in' is present in the answer.
'state' could be 'gas' (gas is a kind of state) and 'gas' is present in the answer.
'salver' could be 'tray' (I've seen this before) and 'tray' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for leading astray that I've seen is " deceptive".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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