Crossword Genius

Waifs have them, suggesting possibilities (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ifs

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

'them suggesting possibilities' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'waifs have' is the wordplay.
'IFS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ifs that I've seen before include "Suppositions, may be accompanied by buts" , "If . . . and ands were pots and pans" , "Conditions or suppositions, may join with buts" , "Conditional conjunctions" , "No ...,ands or buts, no argument allowed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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