Crossword Genius

Relaxes as toff takes the mickey (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eases

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

'relaxes' is the definition.
(ease can mean to relax or reduce)

'as toff takes the mickey' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'as' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eases that I've seen before include "Softens" , "Borders, margins" , "Calms" , "Relieves, lightens" , "Assuages or slackens" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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