Crossword Genius

Guarded bait off Danube’s banks (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coy

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'guarded' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for coy that I've seen before include "Affectedly modest or shy" , "Pretending to be shy or bashful" , "Pretending modesty" , "Group of soldiers" , "Reserved" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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