Crossword Genius

Research first book at university (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gen up

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

'research' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'first book at university' is the wordplay.
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'book' becomes 'gen' (I've seen this in other clues).
'at university' becomes 'up' ('up' can mean studying at university).
'gen' put next to 'up' is 'GEN UP'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gen up that I've seen before include "Learn something" , "Brief" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.