Crossword Genius

Figures ways to stir things up (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liven

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'up' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for liven that I've seen before include "Cause excitement" , "Animate, make energetic" , "Cheer up" , "Spice up" , "Make (something) more interesting" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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