Lots such as furniture maker might bid for? (1,5,4)

I believe the answer is:

a great deal

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

'lots' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for a great deal that I've seen before include "Very much" , "many" , "Some bargain" , "lots" , "What the card player wants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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