Naughtinesses cryptically resulting in plea for help (3)

I believe the answer is:

sos

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'plea for help' is the definition.
(Save Our Souls distress message)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sos that I've seen before include "Call for help" , "request for aid" , "Distress call" , "Mayday call" , "International distress code" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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