Crossword Genius

Get ready to tear directions (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ripen

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'get ready' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'tear directions' is the wordplay.
'tear' becomes 'rip' (rip is a kind of tear).
'directions' becomes 'en' (east and north).
'rip'+'en'='RIPEN'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ripen that I've seen before include "Get ready for 2" , "Become ready to eat" , "Get ready to eat" , "Mature, develop" , "Become ready for picking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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