Took action and gave a hand (5)
I believe the answer is:
dealt
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'took action' is the first definition.
(dealing is a kind of taking action)
'gave a hand' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for dealt that I've seen before include "Handed out (cards)" , "Dispensed (cards)" , "Delta (anag.)" , "Carried out business" , "Delivered" .)