Crossword Genius

Unexpectedly called in a casual involvement (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dalliance

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

'casual involvement' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'unexpectedly called in a' is the wordplay.
'unexpectedly' is an anagram indicator.
'called'+'in'+'a'='calledina'
'calledina' anagrammed gives 'DALLIANCE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dalliance that I've seen before include "Dawdling" , "Flirtation" , "time-wasting action" , "Fling" , "Playing" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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