The boys, thus, get contradictory directions (4)

I believe the answer is:

sons

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

'the boys' is the definition.
('son' can be a synonym of 'boy')

'thus get contradictory directions' is the wordplay.
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
'get' says to put letters next to each other.
'contradictory directions' becomes 'ns' (N is an example. I am not sure about the 'contradictory' bit.).
'so'+'ns'='SONS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sons that I've seen before include "Male offspring" , "DH Lawrence novel: __ and Lovers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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.