Crossword Genius

Huge residences, intimate ones (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

palaces

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

'huge residences' is the definition.
'palaces' can be an answer for 'residences' (palace is a kind of residence). I'm not certain of the 'huge' bit.

'intimate ones' is the wordplay.
'intimate' becomes 'pal' (both can mean a friend).
'ones' becomes 'aces' ('ace' can be a synonym of 'one').
'pal'+'aces'='PALACES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for palaces that I've seen before include "Royal residences" , "kings and queens here?" , "Offical residences of sovereigns" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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