Crossword Genius

Put son in Hilton perhaps — or somewhere cheaper? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hostel

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'put' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'son in hilton perhaps or somewhere cheaper?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'son' could be 's' (genealogical abbreviation for son) and 's' is found in the answer.
'hilton perhaps' could be 'hotel' (Hilton is a hotel chain) and 'hotel' is present in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hostel that I've seen before include "Lodging-house for young travellers, students etc" , "Low-cost accommodation building" , "Rooms" , "Lodging establishment" , "Residence, eg for students" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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