Bullies offering bribes? (4,2)

I believe the answer is:

gets at

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This clue could be a double definition.

'bullies' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'bribes?' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'offering' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for gets at that I've seen is " Bugs".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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