Crossword Genius

Raw beginner mistaking a file for a weapon! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rifle

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

'for a weapon' is the definition.
(rifle is a kind of weapon)

'raw beginner mistaking a file' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'beginner' could be 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car) and 'l' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rife' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rifle that I've seen before include "shoot?" , "Author of report" , "Winchester" , "Gun; sack" , "Carbine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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