Serious attention drawn to machine-gun emplacement? (7)

I believe the answer is:

earnest

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'serious attention' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for earnest that I've seen before include "Eastern (anag.)" , "Pledge - far from frivolous" , "Resolute" , "Seriously eager" , "Sincere in intention" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.

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