The little darlings may be out of step (4)

I believe the answer is:

pets

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'the little darlings' is the definition.
'pets' can be an answer for 'darlings' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'darling'). I am not sure about the 'the little' bit.

'out of step' is the wordplay.
'out of' indicates anagramming the letters.
'step' with letters rearranged gives 'PETS'.

'may be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pets that I've seen before include "Domestic animals" , "Animals at home" , "Little darlings - step on them" , "Domesticated animals" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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