Crossword Genius

A forward, say, getting rise (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ascend

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This might be a double definition.

'a forward say' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't see how they can define each other.

'rise' is the second definition.
(synonyms)

'getting' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ascend that I've seen before include "rise in status" , "Come up" , "Move upwards" , "Dances (anag.)" , "Scale" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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