Crossword Genius

How one's ears can burn! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sear

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

'burn' is the definition.
(sear can mean to burn)

'how one's ears' is the wordplay.
'ears' can be anagrammed to 'SEAR'.
However, I am not clear how the anagram is indicated.

'can' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sear that I've seen before include "Burn, scorch intensely" , "Scorch or burn the surface of" , "Make very hot and dry" , "Cook (quickly at great heat)" , "Cauterise" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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