Crossword Genius

Freedom to explore factory? That's standard (3-2-3-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

run-of-the-mill

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

'freedom' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Routine freedom' mean 'run of the mill' so perhaps 'freedom' could also mean 'run of the mill')

'explore factory? that's standard' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'factory?' could be 'mill' (mill is a type of factory) and 'mill' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for run-of-the-mill that I've seen before include "Mediocre" , "Ordinary" , "Everyday" , "Unexceptional" , "Bog standard" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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