More sticky problem, as it were (8)

I believe the answer is:

sweatier

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'more sticky' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are comparative adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'problem as it were' is the wordplay.
'problem' is an anagram indicator.
'as'+'it'+'were'='asitwere'
'asitwere' anagrammed gives 'SWEATIER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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