Closer to getting a round of applause at the end of the pier (7)

'closer' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are comparative adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'getting a round of applause at the end of the pier' is the wordplay.
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a round of' becomes 'ie' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'applause' becomes 'hand' (as in giving someone a big hand).
'at the end of' says to take the final letters.
The final letter of 'pier' is 'r'.
'ie' put after 'hand' is 'handie'.
'handie'+'r'='HANDIER'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?