The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TREADMILL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
R
E
A
D
M
I
L
L
More clues leading to the result TREADMILL
- Dreary routine to, at first, study John Stuart?
- Exercise machine reforming team drill
- Time to study philosopher in dreary routine
- Drill team worked out - on this?
- Dreary routine at first to study On Liberty?
- Trainer’s first to look at factory’s exercise equipment
- Time to study utilitarianism, but it’s a grind
- Time to study factory’s routine drudgery
- Traditional philosopher embracing online mobile platform
- Drill team exercised – on this?
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TREADMILL mean?
TREADMILL noun- A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.
- A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It is used principally as a means of prison discipline.
- A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.