Crossword Genius

Looks like a paper-cutter inside (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

appears

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

'looks like' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a paper-cutter inside' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
an anagram of 'paper' is 'ppear' which is within the answer.
A single letter 's' remains 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 appears that I've seen before include "is exhibited" , "Comes into view" , "Comes into sight" , "Seems" , "Becomes visible" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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