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The number working have one guy with clout (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

manpower

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'the number working' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'one guy with clout' is the wordplay.
'one guy' becomes 'man' (guy can informally mean a man).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'clout' becomes 'power' (I've seen this in another clue).
'man'+'power'='MANPOWER'

'have' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for manpower that I've seen before include "Workforce" , "labour force" , "Work force" , "Staff resources" , "People available for work" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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