Crossword Genius

Strange code close to body is a red herring (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

decoy

'red herring' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'strange code close to body' is the wordplay.
'strange' indicates an anagram.
'close to' indicates one should take the final letters (the close/ending of).
The final letter of 'body' is 'y'.
'code' with letters rearranged gives 'deco'.
'deco'+'y'='DECOY'

'is a' is the link.

(Other definitions for decoy that I've seen before include "Entrap" , "Lure, enticement" , "Something used to lure prey into a trap" , "Red herring" , "Imitation creature used to attract others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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