Crossword Genius

Female modifies flags (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

falters

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

'flags' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'female modifies' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'modifies' becomes 'alters' (I've seen this in another clue).
'f'+'alters'='FALTERS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for falters that I've seen before include "Stumbles, hesitates" , "Moves unsteadily, stumbles" , "'Loses confidence, begins to fail (7)'" .)

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