Crossword Genius

Say opium eater is a calculating type (6,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

number cruncher

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

'a calculating type' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'say opium eater is' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'is' could be 'be' and 'be' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for number cruncher that I've seen before include "accountant - with 4a" , "computer" , "one calculates" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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