Crossword Genius

Not far off, having shaken off an old boy (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

son

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

'boy' is the definition.
(I know that boy can be written as son)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for son that I've seen before include "Male child" , "Native" , "Young boy" , "Human offspring" , "Male scion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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