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Unnecessary to goad Hitler's bodyguard (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needless

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'unnecessary' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'goad hitler's bodyguard' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'goad' could be 'needle' (synonyms) and 'needle' is present in the answer.
'bodyguard' could be 'ss' (the SS was originally Hitler's personal bodyguard) and 'ss' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Gratuitous" , "Unnecessary, avoidable" , "Uncalled-for" , "Superfluous" , "Excessive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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