Crossword Genius

Time to study English philosopher -- dull work (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treadmill

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

'dull work' is the definition.
'treadmill' can be an answer for 'dull' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'work' bit.

'time to study english philosopher' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'to study' becomes 'read' ('read' can be a synonym of 'study').
'english philosopher' becomes 'mill' (I've seen this before).
't'+'read'+'mill'='TREADMILL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for treadmill that I've seen before include "Boring or unending job" , "Form of torture" , "Wearisome routine" , "Routine drudgery -- exercise machine" , "Endlessly tedious job" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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