The guy left nine directions for the spiral curves (7)

I believe the answer is:

helixes

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'the spiral curves' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'the guy left nine directions' is the wordplay.
'the guy' becomes 'he'.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'nine' becomes 'IX' (roman numeral).
'directions' becomes 'Es' (east and south - two directions).
'he'+'l'+'ix'+'es'='HELIXES'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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