Shot afternoon play (5)

I believe the answer is:

drama

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'play' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'shot afternoon' is the wordplay.
'shot' becomes 'dram' (of whisky say).
'afternoon' becomes 'a' (this could be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'dram'+'a'='DRAMA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drama that I've seen before include "Play - excitement" , "Tragic situation" , "Play; exciting situation" , "Hamlet, say" , "sensation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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