Crossword Genius

Breathe on them with a little cough (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hem

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

'breathe' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'them with a little cough' is the wordplay.
'HEM' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'on' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hem that I've seen before include "Double-backed border of a garment" , "try to attract attention" , "Stitched edge of garment" , "Finished edge of a piece of cloth" , "Double-backed cloth border" .)

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