Crossword Genius

A number confessing to playing the fool (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clowning

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'a number' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'confessing to playing the fool' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'playing' could be 'in' and 'in' is found within the answer.
'fool' could be 'clown' (clown is a kind of fool) and 'clown' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'g' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clowning that I've seen before include "Acting the fool" , "Circus fooling" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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