Crossword Genius

Machine runs into bamboo perhaps (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crane

'machine' is the definition.

'runs into bamboo perhaps' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'into' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'bamboo perhaps' becomes 'cane'.
'r' placed within 'cane' is 'CRANE'.

(Other definitions for crane that I've seen before include "Bird; mechanical lift" , "Long-necked wading bird and lifting machine" , "Stretch to see" , "Lifter; bird" , "Tall wading bird can lift heavy loads" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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