Crossword Genius

Sheet that's recommended initially as shadier (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leafier

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

'shadier' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are comparative adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'sheet that's recommended initially' is the wordplay.
'sheet' becomes 'leaf' (leaf is a kind of sheet).
'that's' becomes 'ie'.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'recommended' is 'r'.
'leaf'+'ie'+'r'='LEAFIER'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leafier that I've seen before include "more rural" , "Having more foliage" , "more green" , "sort of suburb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.