Preliminary preparation (9)
'preliminary preparation' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for spadework that I've seen before include "Necessary preparation - digging?" , "Routine preparations for an undertaking" , "Preparatory labour (in the garden?)" , "Routine preparation" , "Arduous but necessary preparation" .)
'preliminary preparation' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for groundwork that I've seen before include "Preliminary effort" , "Preparations" .)