Let oboes play like serpents? (8)

I believe the answer is:

obsolete

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

'let oboes play like serpents?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'let oboes play' is the wordplay.
'play' indicates an anagram.
'let'+'oboes'='letoboes'
'letoboes' with letters rearranged gives 'OBSOLETE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for obsolete that I've seen before include "Disused" , "Old hat" , "No longer produced or used" , "Out-of-date" , "Antiquated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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