Tips which are never mean (8)

I believe the answer is:

extremes

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'tips' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for extremes that I've seen before include "Outlying parts" , "They are said to meet" , "Outermost limits" , "End of range items" , "Sex meter (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Guardian and The Telegraph.

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