Crossword Genius

Lots of people lying over area of ground, after this? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

massacre

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

'lots of people lying' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'area of ground after this?' is the wordplay.
'area of ground' becomes 'acre' (acre is a measure of land area).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'this?' becomes 'mass' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'acre' put after 'mass' is 'MASSACRE'.

'over' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for massacre that I've seen before include "butcher" , "Complete defeat" , "bloody victory" , "Butchery" , "Overwhelming defeat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app