Spy desert rodent (4,3)
I believe the answer is:
mole rat
'rodent' is the definition.
(mole rat is a kind of rodent)
'spy desert' is the wordplay.
'spy' becomes 'mole' (mole is a kind of spy).
'desert' becomes 'rat' (abandon treacherously).
'mole'+'rat'='MOLE-RAT'
I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app