Crossword Genius

Looking less lumpy in the half-light (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

evening

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

'half-light' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'looking less lumpy in' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' is within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for evening that I've seen before include "Early night" , "Preparing flat" , "Making uniform" , "twilight" , "Making flat" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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