Crossword Genius

Increase keenness (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

5

7

sharpen

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'increase' is the definition.
(I know that sharpen is a more specific form of the action deepen)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sharpen that I've seen before include "Make pointed" , "Raise pitch of" , "Restore edge to knife" , "instrument secured by former nurse" , "Get keen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.