Crossword Genius

Being dismally deprived of home handyman work, means little (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

small

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

'little' is the definition.
(I know that little can be written as small)

'being dismally deprived of home handyman work' is the wordplay.
'SMALL' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'means' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for small that I've seen before include "Undersized" , "Lower middle of the back" , "Social chat" , "Not fully grown" , "Diminutive" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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