What does the cryptic crossword clue "It messes around with a man or a lover (9)" mean?

The definition is "lover". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of IT + A + MAN + OR + A = INAMORATA; definition: "lover" The answer is INAMORATA.

It messes around with a man or a lover (9)

Independent Cryptic #1793 | 7 Down | 2024-07-07 flower