Crossword Genius

It's bound to have maps (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atlas

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

'maps' is the definition.
(printed collection of maps)

'it's bound to' is the wordplay.
'it' becomes ''t' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis).
'bound' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'to' becomes 'alas' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
't' going inside 'alas' is 'ATLAS'.

'have' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atlas that I've seen before include "N. African mountains; a Titan" , "Sort of book" , "world record?" , "Map collection" , "Giant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.