Crossword Genius

Where to play piano, plugging smooth covers of Ice-T (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sandpit

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'where to play piano plugging' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'smooth covers of ice-t' is the wordplay.
'smooth' becomes 'sand' (sanding is a kind of smoothing).
'covers of ice t' becomes 'pit' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sand'+'pit'='SANDPIT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sandpit that I've seen before include "Playground feature" , "children may play here" , "Site of castle perhaps" , "place where youngsters can play" , "Child's play area" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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