Crossword Genius

How information is processed? A little at a time (3,2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bit by bit

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

'how' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'information is processed? a little at a time' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'little' could be 'bit' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'bit' is present in the answer.
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bit by bit that I've seen before include "Piecemeal" , "in a gradual sequence" , "What might be found in tack room" , "Two adjacent pieces" , "Gradually, a little at a time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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