Crossword Genius

Wife assists young men (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whelps

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

'young men' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'wife assists' is the wordplay.
'wife' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'assists' becomes 'helps' ('help' can be a synonym of 'assist').
'w'+'helps'='WHELPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for whelps that I've seen before include "Young of various canines" , "Young dogs or pups" , "Young wolves or dogs" , "Gives birth" , "puppies" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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