Crossword Genius

Miller is one who keeps students hard at work (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grinder

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

'miller is one who keeps students' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'hard at work' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'grind' (I've seen this before).
'at work' becomes 'er' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'grind'+'er'='GRINDER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grinder that I've seen before include "Operator of 12 across" , "organist?" , "Salt/pepper mill" , "Eg, pepper mill" , "Peppermill" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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