Crossword Genius

Spies area where men go (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agents

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

'spies' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'area where men go' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'area' could be 'a' (maths abbreviation) and 'a' is present in the answer.
'men' could be 'gents' (gent is a kind of man) and 'gents' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agents that I've seen before include "Representatives" , "travelling salesmen" , "They act for actors" , "Spies" , "They do business on behalf of others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app