Crossword Genius

Worked in a forest and made slow plodding progress? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lumbered

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'worked' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lumbered that I've seen before include "Plodded along" , "Moved clumsily in dumb reel" , "loaded" , "Stuck (with)" , "Burdened with unwanted responsibility" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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