Crossword Genius

Walking slowly after a girl may be taking a risk (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gambling

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

'taking a risk' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being present participle verbs.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'walking slowly after a girl' is the wordplay.
'walking slowly' becomes 'ambling' (I've seen this before).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a girl' becomes 'g'.
'ambling' after 'g' is 'GAMBLING'.

'may be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gambling that I've seen before include "Glib G-man caught in placing bets" , "Playing for money" , "Playing for stakes" , "Casino activity" , "Betting (sum of money)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app