Crossword Genius

Nuts thrown by debutantes gets people talking (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debate

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

'debutantes gets people talking' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'nuts thrown by' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debate that I've seen before include "Exchange of views" , "Argue a point" , "Discuss through argument" , "Verbal disputation" , "Talk" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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