Crossword Genius

Butter knife, maybe about to open tool drawer at last! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spreader

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

'butter knife' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'about to open tool drawer at last' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'about' could be 'rea' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'rea' is found in the answer.
'last' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'maybe' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spreader that I've seen before include "that covers a wide area" , "Device for applying, eg, adhesive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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