Source of protection (but with strings attached) (5)
I believe the answer is:
apron
'source of protection' is the definition.
'apron' can be an answer for 'protection' (protective garment). I'm not sure about the 'source of' bit.
'with strings attached' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'strings' becomes 'apr' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'attached' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues).
'apr' next to 'on' is 'APRON'.
'but' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for apron that I've seen before include "skirt" , "edge" , "Cook's garment" , "Protective garment - part of stage" , "Protective wear - type of stage" .)