Crossword Genius

Going in three different directions and then making about-turn, makes them smirk (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sneer

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

'smirk' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'going in three different directions and then making about-turn makes them' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'directions' could be 'ne' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ne' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ser' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sneer that I've seen before include "Dig" , "Derisive remark" , "Speak scornfully" , "sound scornful" , "Contemptuous gesture" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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