Crossword Genius

Fool by ringing alternates to delegate (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assign

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

'delegate' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'fool by ringing alternates' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'fool' could be 'ass' (both can mean a stupid person) and 'ass' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assign that I've seen before include "share out" , "Allocate, appoint" , "Nominate" , "Give or entrust to" , "Allot, allocate" .)

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