Crossword Genius

Puts down a force during exercise to avoid risk (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

play safe

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'avoid risk' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'puts down a force during exercise' is the wordplay.
'puts' becomes 'lays' (laying is a kind of putting).
'down a force' becomes 'af' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'during' is an insertion indicator.
'exercise' becomes 'pe' (Physical Education).
'lays'+'af'='laysaf'
'laysaf' going within 'pe' is 'PLAY SAFE'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for play safe that I've seen before include "Act cautiously" , "Falsely described" , "Don't take risks - its only a game?" , "Body of church" , "Avoid taking risks - in game?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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