Crossword Genius

There are 54 ways to live them! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lives

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

'there are 54' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'ways to live them' is the wordplay.
'ways' becomes 'es' (east and south - two directions).
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'live' becomes 'l' (electrical abbreviation).
'them' becomes 'iv' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'l'+'iv'='liv'
'es' after 'liv' is 'LIVES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lives that I've seen before include "Exists" , "Biographies" , "Elvis (anag) - is not dead" , "Is animate" , "See 5" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.