Crossword Genius

Remove fleece, say - it's steep (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sheer

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

'steep' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'remove fleece say it's' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'sher' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sheer that I've seen before include "Precipitous or fine" , "Very fine or vertical" , "Completely" , "Plumb" , "Very steep or diaphanous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.