Crossword Genius

Acquire squalid venue to fail intentionally? (4,1,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

take a dive

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'acquire' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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