Cryptically, this suggests control out of action? (4,2)
I believe the answer is:
laid up
'out of action?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for laid up that I've seen before include "(Of ship) put in dock" , "Stored, preserved" , "in sickbed" , "Injured" , "Dicky" .)