Crossword Genius

"Take a risk?", I reply — what if foolish? (4,4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

play with fire

'take a risk?' is the definition.
(to play with fire is to take a risk)

'i reply what if foolish?' is the wordplay.
'foolish?' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'foolish' mean this).
'i'+'reply'+'what'+'if'='ireplywhatif'
'ireplywhatif' is an anagram of 'PLAY WITH FIRE'.

(Other definitions for play with fire that I've seen before include "Take dangerous risk" , "Take dangerous risks" , "Promethean drama?" , "Put oneself in danger" , "Be open to risk" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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