Crossword Genius

Engage in an attack, but don't take it seriously? (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

play about

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'don't take it seriously?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'engage in an attack' is the wordplay.
'engage in' becomes 'playa' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'an attack' becomes 'bout' (I've seen this before).
'playa'+'bout'='PLAY ABOUT'

'but' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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