Crossword Genius

May creak, but it's got a sound look (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stair

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

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

'it's got a sound look' is the wordplay.
'it's got a sound' becomes 'st' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'look' becomes 'air' (I've seen this before).
'st'+'air'='STAIR'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stair that I've seen before include "Word linking way and well" , "this could get one down" , "One of a flight of steps" , "Support on which to step" , "Rising step" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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