Crossword Genius

No lady's deputies (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agents

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

'no lady's deputies' is the definition.
'agents' can be an answer for 'deputies' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'no lady's' bit.

'lady's deputies' is the wordplay.
'lady' becomes 'Ag'.
'deputies' becomes 'ents' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ag'+'ents'='AGENTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agents that I've seen before include "They act for actors" , "travelling salesmen" , "Sales reps" , "They operate on behalf of others" , "Instruments" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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