Crossword Genius

Crew cut beginning to increase influence (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eight

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

'crew' is the definition.
(an eight-person rowing team)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eight that I've seen before include "Set of rowers" , "Four twos" , "Two cubed" , "Number of the April rainers" , "23" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app