Crossword Genius

Like a handy reckoner (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ready

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

'handy reckoner' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'like a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'like' could be 'y' (similar in meaning) and 'y' is present in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'red' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ready that I've seen before include "Available now" , "Prepare money" , "for immediate use" , "Fully prepared" , "Suitably prepared" .)

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