Crossword Genius

Gradually soften what has melted (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thaw

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gradually soften' is the definition.
'thaw' can be an answer for 'soften' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not certain of the 'gradually' bit.

'what has melted' is the wordplay.
'what' can be anagrammed to 'THAW'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thaw that I've seen before include "detente" , "Unfreeze, defrost" , "when the temperature rises?" , "Become less stiff, more relaxed" , "Become warmer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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