Crossword Genius

Breaking into spring-loaded lock ... (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trespass

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

'breaking' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'spring-loaded lock' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'spring' could be 'spa' (spa can mean a mineral spring) and 'spa' is found in the answer.
'lock' could be 'ress' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'ress' is present in the leftover letters.
A single letter 't' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'into' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trespass that I've seen before include "Enter someone else's property illegally" , "Illegal entry" , "Entry without permission" , "Invade" , "Sin (archaic)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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