Crossword Genius

Foolishly misreads what officers carry (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

side arms

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

'what officers carry' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'foolishly misreads' is the wordplay.
'foolishly' indicates an anagram.
'misreads' anagrammed gives 'SIDE-ARMS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for side arms that I've seen is " Misreads about pistols, daggers and weapons worn thus".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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