Crossword Genius

Play first shot? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drama

'play first shot?' is the definition.
'drama' can be an answer for 'play' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'first shot?' bit.

'play first shot?' is the wordplay.
'play' becomes 'a' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'shot?' becomes 'dram' (of whisky say).
'a' after 'dram' is 'DRAMA'.

(Other definitions for drama that I've seen before include "Turbulent emotional episode" , "Play (as a genre)" , "Highly emotional episode" , "Tragic situation" , "theatre production" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.