Crossword Genius

Pull opposite ways, in places (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

towns

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

'places' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'pull opposite ways' is the wordplay.
'pull' becomes 'tow' (tow is a kind of pull).
'opposite ways' becomes 'ns' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'tow'+'ns'='TOWNS'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for towns that I've seen before include "Urban areas" , "Municipalities" , "Settlements" , "Places" .)

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