What does the cryptic crossword clue "Boring routine — pity that's not finished! (3)" mean?

The definition is "Boring". The wordplay uses a deletion. RUT (deletion) = RUT; definition: "Boring routine —" The answer is RUT.

Boring routine — pity that's not finished! (3)

Independent Cryptic #11470 | 7 Down | 2023-07-17 flower