Crossword Genius

Close friend with one imposing pad (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

palace

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

'imposing pad' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'close friend with one' is the wordplay.
'close friend' becomes 'pal' (I've seen this before).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'one' becomes 'ace' (ace has a value of one in some card games).
'pal'+'ace'='PALACE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for palace that I've seen before include "football team" , "Locality round a monarch's official residence" , "See 23" , "Royal dwelling" , "Royal residence" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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