Cries when a spy is discovered (4)

I believe the answer is:

yaps

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'cries' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'a spy is discovered' is the wordplay.
'a spy' anagrams to 'YAPS'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yaps that I've seen before include "shrill sounds" , "Chatters" , "Barks" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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