To begin with, analyst claimed that erotic dynamic was in play? (5)
I believe the answer is:
acted
'in play?' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can occasionally mean the same thing.
'to begin with analyst claimed that erotic dynamic' is the wordplay.
'to begin with' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letters of 'analyst claimed that erotic dynamic' is 'ACTED'.
'was' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for acted that I've seen before include "Played a 30ac" , "Behaved like thespian" , "appeared on stage" , "took part in simulation" , "Performed on stage" .)