Though Stephen's no chicken, there's some progress (4)

I believe the answer is:

step

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'some progress' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Measure - pace" , "short distance" , "Place foot on as with a pest" , "Stage - pace" , "Move a little way" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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