Crossword Genius

Subordinate action attributed to freedom of movement (2-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

by-play

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

'subordinate action' is the definition.
'by-play' can be an answer for 'action' (I have seen 'Side action' mean 'by-play' so perhaps 'action' could also mean 'by-play'). I am not certain of the 'subordinate' bit.

'freedom of movement' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'freedom' could be 'play' (play is a kind of freedom) and 'play' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'by' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'attributed to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for by-play that I've seen before include "Not the main action" , "Secondary action on stage" , "Side action on stage" , "Secondary action, often humorous" , "Stage business" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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