Crossword Genius

Peeping toms pop out for the encounters (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meetings

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

'the encounters' is the definition.
('meeting' can be a synonym of 'encounter')

'peeping toms pop out' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'pop' could be 'in' (both can mean popular) and 'in' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meetings that I've seen before include "Assemblies as by committees" , "Formally arranged gatherings" , "Business get-togethers" , "Formal or informal gatherings" , "Encounters or gatherings" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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