Cautious, as a drudge may well be (7)

I believe the answer is:

guarded

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'cautious' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'a drudge may well be' is the wordplay.
'a drudge' can be anagrammed to 'GUARDED'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for guarded that I've seen before include "Cautious, having reservations" , "Kept watch over" , "Protected from a drudge" , "offered protection" , "Cagey or protected" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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