Crossword Genius

Mum having setback in Friends? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mates

'friends?' is the definition.
(mate is a kind of friend)

'mum having setback' is the wordplay.
'mum' becomes 'ma' (ma can mean mother).
'having' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'setback' becomes 'tes' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ma'+'tes'='MATES'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for mates that I've seen before include "Pals, pairs" , "Friends among the ship's officers" , "Pals or spouses" , "Husbands, wives or pals" , "Partners or pals" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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