Crossword Genius

How to alter hem to here, as an improvement? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reform

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

This clue could be a double definition.

'how to alter' is the first definition.
(I know that ameliorate is the is a more specific form of the action of reform.)

'hem to here as an improvement?' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reform that I've seen before include "Go straight" , "Change one's ways (for the better?)" , "Correct(ion of) abuses" , "Abandon evil practices" , "Show improvement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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