Crossword Genius

Sons keeping clear of unnecessary rivalry (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needle

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This clue might be a double definition.

'sons keeping' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'clear of unnecessary rivalry' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needle that I've seen before include "It's difficult to find one in a haystack" , "Persistently annoy" , "joint" , "Knitting rod" , "Irritate or provoke with sewing implement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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