Crossword Genius

Does it get narrower as it burns? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taper

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'does it get narrower' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'it burns?' is the wordplay.
'it' becomes ''t' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis).
'burns?' becomes 'aper' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
't'+'aper'='TAPER'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for taper that I've seen before include "Get more narrow" , "See the light" , "Become thinner towards one end" , "Spill - become narrower towards one end" , "One making recording" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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