Some wretched gents act shiftily (5)
I believe the answer is:
hedge
'act shiftily' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'some wretched gents' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'HEDGE' is hidden within 'wretched gents'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hedge that I've seen before include "Boundary of shrubs" , "Field barrier" , "Barrier of shrubs or bushes" , "Boundary; equivocate" , "Stall" .)