Crossword Genius

Unhappy, then led astray, resulting in charge (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

saddle

'charge' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'unhappy then led astray' is the wordplay.
'unhappy' becomes 'sad' (associated in meaning).
'then' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'astray' indicates anagramming the letters.
'led' with letters rearranged gives 'dle'.
'sad'+'dle'='SADDLE'

'resulting in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for saddle that I've seen before include "Lumber (with); one on horse" , "land" , "Butcher's cut from the back of an animal" , "Jockey's seat" , "Burden; seat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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