Crossword Genius

They prefer sage? Same here! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

likewise

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

'same here' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'they prefer sage?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'prefer' could be 'like' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'like' is located in the answer.
'sage?' could be 'wise' (similar in meaning) and 'wise' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for likewise that I've seen before include "In similar way" , "In similar manner" , "Ditto, similarly" , "In addition, similarly" , "Also; similarly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app