Crossword Genius

Acts as a dismantler? (5,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

takes apart

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'acts as a dismantler?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'acts as a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'acts' could be 'takes' (take is a kind of act) and 'takes' is located in the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'part' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

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