Crossword Genius

Spy perhaps not a lady? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agent

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

'spy perhaps' is the definition.
(spy is a kind of agent)

'not a lady?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'nt' (synonyms) and 'nt' is located in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ge' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agent that I've seen before include "who can act?" , "Negotiator" , "Actors' manager" , "One who acts for another" , "Actor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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