Crossword Genius

Step on board for vacant accommodation (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spaces

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

'for vacant accommodation' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'step on board' is the wordplay.
'step' becomes 'pace' (pace is a kind of step).
'on' is an insertion indicator.
'board' becomes 'ss' (I've seen this in other clues).
'pace' going into 'ss' is 'SPACES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spaces that I've seen before include "Blank areas" , "cleared areas" , "distances" , "boxes" , "Gaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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