Crossword Genius

Strengthened the appearance of being polished (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

waxed

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

This could be a double definition.

'strengthened the appearance' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'being polished' is the second definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for waxed that I've seen before include "Increased in phase" , "Became fuller" , "Grew larger" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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