Crossword Genius

Group to descend to criminal area (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gangland

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'criminal area' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'group to descend' is the wordplay.
'group' becomes 'gang' (a gang is a group of people).
'to descend' becomes 'land' (I've seen this in another clue).
'gang'+'land'='GANGLAND'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gangland that I've seen before include "Where to find mobsters" , "Criminal underworld" , "haunt of criminals?" , "World of organised crime" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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