Crossword Genius

Numbers say - and say rudely - "There aren't many flowers here" (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nosegays

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'there aren't many flowers here' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is a plural noun.

'numbers say and say rudely' is the wordplay.
'numbers' becomes 'nos' (no. is a kind of number).
'say' becomes 'eg' (both can mean 'for example').
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'rudely' indicates anagramming the letters.
'say' anagrammed gives 'ays'.
'nos'+'eg'+'ays'='NOSEGAYS'

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(Other definitions for nosegays that I've seen before include "floral arrangements" , "Small bunches of flowers" , "Bouquets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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