Crossword Genius

Made little of, in a funny sort of way (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

laughed off

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

'made little' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'of in a funny sort of way' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
'way' could be 'e' (Compass direction - East) and 'e' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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