Once was joining a revolution, now am more sophisticated (4,4,6)

I believe the answer is:

have been around

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

'now am more sophisticated' is the definition.
(as in 'I've been around the block')

'once was joining a revolution' is the wordplay.
'once was' becomes 'have been' (if I once was something, I have been it).
'joining a revolution' becomes 'around' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'havebeen'+'around'='HAVE BEEN AROUND'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.