Crossword Genius

Roars menacingly, boxing gondoliers (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oarsmen

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

'gondoliers' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'roars menacingly boxing' is the wordplay.
'boxing' says the answer is hidden in the clue (the solution is contained or boxed up by the clue).
'OARSMEN' is hidden in the letters of 'roars menacingly'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oarsmen that I've seen before include "They propel boats manually" , "Male propellers of boats" , "Male rowers" , "They row boats" , "People in boats" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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