Crossword Genius

Drills and cuts round base end of pillar (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exercises

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'drills' is the definition.
('exercise' can be a synonym of 'drill')

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exercises that I've seen before include "Keep-fit activities" , "Muscle movements to promote fitness" , "trains" , "Activities to develop a skill" , "Works out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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