Crossword Genius

Spread out to lead spy astray (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

splayed

'spread out' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'lead spy astray' is the wordplay.
'astray' indicates an anagram.
'lead'+'spy'='leadspy'
'leadspy' with letters rearranged gives 'SPLAYED'.

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for splayed that I've seen before include "with legs apart" , "Turned out" , "Spread apart" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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