Diamonds are a challenge (4)

I believe the answer is:

dare

'a challenge' is the definition.
(I know that dare is a type of challenge)

'diamonds are' is the wordplay.
'diamonds' becomes 'd' (abbreviation in bridge say).
'd'+'are'='DARE'

(Other definitions for dare that I've seen before include "Have sufficient courage" , "Challenge to do something foolhardy" , "Be brave enough" , "Dan - - , 'Eagle' pilot" , "Throw down the gauntlet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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