It's somewhat cheaper not to be original (3)
I believe the answer is:
ape
'be original' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'it's somewhat cheaper not' is the wordplay.
'it's somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'APE' is hidden within 'cheaper not'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ape that I've seen before include "Imitate uncritically" , "Mimic the primate" , "Parrot" , "Take off" , "Imitate, clumsy person (colloq.)" .)