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Family ties for the mother's boy (5,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apron strings

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'family' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'ties for the mother's boy' is the wordplay.
'ties' becomes 'strings' ('string' can be a synonym of 'tie').
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'the mother's boy' becomes 'apron' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'strings' after 'apron' is 'APRON STRINGS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apron strings that I've seen before include "Symbols of maternal dependence" , "symbol of female domination?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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