Plans poplars so badly (9)

I believe the answer is:

proposals

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

'plans' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'poplars so badly' is the wordplay.
'badly' is an anagram indicator (letters in the wrong order).
'poplars'+'so'='poplarsso'
'poplarsso' anagrammed gives 'PROPOSALS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for proposals that I've seen before include "Suggestions for action" , "Offers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.