Is taken aback when ringleader dies perhaps (5)

I believe the answer is:

rides

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'is taken aback' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'ringleader dies perhaps' is the wordplay.
'ringleader' becomes 'r' (first letter of ring).
'perhaps' indicates an anagram.
'dies' with letters rearranged gives 'ides'.
'r'+'ides'='RIDES'

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rides that I've seen before include "journeys by bike?" , "Travels on an animal" , "Travels on, horse say" , "Dries up and travels" , "Comes through" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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