Customise hard carpets by evening (5)

I believe the answer is:

adapt

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'customise' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for adapt that I've seen before include "Change to suit new circumstances" , "Adjust (to changes)" , "Make fit" , "Become adjusted to new circumstances" , "Tailor" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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