He slants positions below (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

less than

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'below' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adverbs. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'he slants positions' is the wordplay.
'he slants' can be anagrammed to 'LESS THAN'.
But, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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