Crossword Genius

Fifty songs in places of hiding (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lairs

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'places of hiding' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both locations as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'fifty songs' is the wordplay.
'fifty' becomes 'l' (Roman numeral).
'songs' becomes 'airs' (I've seen this in another clue).
'l'+'airs'='LAIRS'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lairs that I've seen before include "retreats" , "Resting places of wild animals" , "Places to hide" , "Habitations of wild animals" , "forms etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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