Crossword Genius

Reckon on a smaller amount but end up with loads (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

countless

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'end up with loads' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'reckon on a smaller amount' is the wordplay.
'reckon' becomes 'count' (I've seen this before).
'on' says to put letters next to each other (in a down clue, letters appear on others).
'a smaller amount' becomes 'less' (I've seen this before).
'count'+'less'='COUNTLESS'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for countless that I've seen before include "Untold" , "not so important" , "Innumerable" , "Very many" , "Legion seeming to be" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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