Crossword Genius

Private rooms macho types must keep nice occasionally (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

studies

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

'private rooms' is the definition.
'studies' can be an answer for 'rooms' (study is a kind of room). I'm not certain of the 'private' bit.

'macho types must keep nice occasionally' is the wordplay.
'macho types' becomes 'studs' (I've seen this in another clue).
'must keep' indicates putting letters inside.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
The alternate letters of 'nice' are 'ie'.
'studs' going around 'ie' is 'STUDIES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for studies that I've seen before include "lessons" , "Applies the mind to learning" , "Closely inspects; rooms" , "Work done to acquire learning" , "Scrutinises" .)

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