Took a chance and within days are caught (5)
I believe the answer is:
dared
'took a chance and within' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'days are caught' is the wordplay.
'days' becomes 'd'.
'are caught' becomes 'ared' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'd'+'ared'='DARED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dared that I've seen before include "Made bold" , "Ventured" , "Was brave enough" , "Challenged - was audacious" , "Goaded" .)