Crossword Genius

Is it better to be cold-hearted? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nicer

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

'is it better' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'be cold-hearted?' is the wordplay.
'be' becomes 'nice' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'cold' becomes 'dry' (synonyms).
'hearted?' means to look at the middle letters (I've seen 'hearted' mean this).
The middle of 'dry' is 'r'.
'nice'+'r'='NICER'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nicer that I've seen before include "relatively pleasant" , "More pleasant or agreeable" , "improved" , "More pleasant or courteous" , "More pleasing" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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