Badgers and monkeys crossing one rut shakily (10)

I believe the answer is:

importunes

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

'badgers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'monkeys crossing one rut shakily' is the wordplay.
'monkeys' becomes 'imps' ('imp' can be a synonym of 'monkey').
'crossing' indicates putting letters inside (to cross can mean to go over or around).
'shakily' is an anagram indicator.
'one'+'rut'='onerut'
'onerut' anagrammed gives 'ortune'.
'imps' placed around 'ortune' is 'IMPORTUNES'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.