Crossword Genius

Reportedly beams, getting pay increase in New York? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

raise

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

'pay increase in new york?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'reportedly beams' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'beams' becomes 'rays' (rays of light).
'rays' is a homophone of 'RAISE'.

'getting' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for raise that I've seen before include "Care for during childhood" , "Put up" , "Call up" , "Hoist" , "Produce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app