The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word MISTRESSES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
I
S
T
R
E
S
S
E
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Lovers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lovers = mistresses.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MISTRESSES mean?
MISTRESSES noun- A woman, specifically one with great control, authority or ownership
- A female teacher
- The other woman in an extramarital relationship, generally including sexual relations
- A dominatrix
- A woman well skilled in anything, or having the mastery over it
- A woman regarded with love and devotion; a sweetheart
- A married woman; a wife
- The jack in the game of bowls
- A female companion to a master (a man with control, authority or ownership)