Crossword Genius

Step required to break lock and gain unlawful entry (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trespass

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

'unlawful entry' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'step required to break lock and gain' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'step' could be 'pas' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'pas' is located in the answer.
'lock' could be 'ress' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'ress' is present in the leftover letters.
A single letter 't' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trespass that I've seen before include "Invade" , "Wrong" , "Transgress" , "Enter land without permission" , "Go where one shouldn't" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.