What does the cryptic crossword clue "Embarrassed by horse going astray — it's a distraction (3,7)" mean?

The definition is "it’s a distraction". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). RED (synonym="in the face") + H (synonym="horse") + ERRING (synonym="going astray") = REDHERRING; definition: "— it's a distraction" The answer is REDHERRING.

Embarrassed by horse going astray — it's a distraction (3,7)

Guardian Cryptic #29107 | 15 Down | 2023-06-27 flower

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