Crossword Genius

Followers suspend boy after hesitation (7-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hangers-on

'followers' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'suspend boy after hesitation' is the wordplay.
'suspend' becomes 'hang' (to hang is to suspend from something).
'boy' becomes 'son' (synonyms).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'hesitation' becomes 'er' (sound made while hesitating - um, er).
'son' put after 'er' is 'erson'.
'hang'+'erson'='HANGERS-ON'

(Other definitions for hangers-on that I've seen before include "Sycophantic associates" , "Sycophantic followers - dependants" , "Persistent (and annoying) companions" , "Minions" , "Sycophants, unwanted followers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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