Crossword Genius

Like confinement with few signs of automation?

Ross

I believe the answer is:

labourintensive

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'like' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'confinement with few signs of automation?' is the wordplay.
'confinement' becomes 'labour' (synonyms).
'with' indicates putting letters inside.
'few' becomes 'iv'.
'signs of automation?' becomes 'intense' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'iv' placed inside 'intense' is 'intensive'.
'labour'+'intensive'='LABOUR-INTENSIVE'

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I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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