Crossword Genius

Spies act foolishly, providing distraction (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

escapist

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'distraction' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'spies act foolishly' is the wordplay.
'foolishly' is an anagram indicator.
'spies'+'act'='spiesact'
'spiesact' is an anagram of 'ESCAPIST'.

'providing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for escapist that I've seen before include "One fleeing reality" , "One avoiding reality" , "I fantasise" , "One living in a fantasy world" , "My interest is not of this world" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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