Crossword Genius

It's hard, but makes for greater incisiveness (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steel

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'it's hard' is the definition.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steel that I've seen before include "Form of iron" , "Strength, determination" , "Hard, strong, grey alloy" , "Make hard and unfeeling" , "May be cold" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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