An actor may take it when at a loss for words (6,6)
I believe the answer is:
prompt action
'an actor may take it' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'at a loss for words' is the wordplay.
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a loss for' becomes 'action' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'words' becomes 'prompt' (prompt is a kind of words).
'action' put after 'prompt' is 'PROMPT ACTION'.
'when' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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