Crossword Genius

Little men pushed to the fore (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pawns

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

'little men' is the definition.
'pawns' can be an answer for 'men' (pawn is a kind of man). I am unsure of the 'little' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pawns that I've seen before include "The foot-soldiers in chess" , "made pledges" , "Chess pieces" , "Puts into hock" , "Minor chessmen" .)

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