Crossword Genius

Eavesdrop on row that's more substantial (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heartier

'more substantial' is the definition.
('hearty' can be a synonym of 'substantial')

'eavesdrop on row' is the wordplay.
'eavesdrop on' becomes 'hear' (I've seen this in another clue).
'row' becomes 'tier' (a tier is a row of things).
'hear'+'tier'='HEARTIER'

'that's' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for heartier that I've seen before include "becoming less restrained" , "More enthusiastic" , "More red-blooded - rehear it (anag)" , "more robust" , "more energetic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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