Crossword Genius

Liven up by means of hot spice (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pepper

'hot spice' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'liven up by means of' is the wordplay.
'liven up' becomes 'pep' (as in a pep talk).
'by means of' becomes 'per' (I've seen this before).
'pep'+'per'='PEPPER'

(Other definitions for pepper that I've seen before include "Spicy condiment" , "Pungent condiment" , "Capsicum" , "Pungent seasoning and vegetable" , "Name of Band Sergeant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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