Crossword Genius

Works steadily at making piles (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plies

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'works steadily' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'making piles' is the wordplay.
'making' indicates an anagram.
'piles' anagrammed gives 'PLIES'.

'at' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plies that I've seen before include "Works steadily -- ballet steps" , "Works steadily (at trade)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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