Crossword Genius

Look around very quietly for the pepper (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

peer

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

'look' is the definition.
(to peer at something is to look at it)

'very quietly for the pepper' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'quietly' could be 'p' (p for piano and quiet) and 'p' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'eer' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'around' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for peer that I've seen before include "One's equal" , "Aristocrat" , "count, perhaps" , "Look closely at titled man?" , "unelected politician" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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