Regards the lot as OK perhaps (5,2)

I believe the answer is:

looks at

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'regards' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'lot as ok perhaps' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates an anagram.
'lot'+'as'+'ok'='lotasok'
'lotasok' with letters rearranged gives 'LOOKS AT'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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