Devious, just like Serpent, to keep one working away (6)

I believe the answer is:

sneaky

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

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sneaky that I've seen before include "Furtive, lacking candour" , "Being furtive or underhanded" , "Furtive, sly" , "Secretive and sly" , "Sly and devious" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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