Crossword Genius

Take courage, try size down from twelve (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hearten

'take courage' is the definition.

'try size down from twelve' is the wordplay.
'try' becomes 'hear' (as in to try someone in court or hear their case**).
'size down from twelve' becomes 'ten' (UK clothing sizes).
'hear'+'ten'='HEARTEN'

(Other definitions for hearten that I've seen before include "giving cheer" , "Encourage or cheer in cardiac manner" , "Make cheerful" , "Comfort" , "Make (someone) more confident" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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