Tedious routines (4)
I believe the answer is:
ruts
'tedious routines' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ruts that I've seen before include "Grooves in the ground" , "Deep tracks in path" , "gets ready for new partner" , "Deep furrows" , "Furrows not to get stuck in" .)