They say some hard looks are what's needed to get to the next level? (6)
I believe the answer is:
stairs
'the next level?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'they say some hard looks are what's needed' is the wordplay.
'some' suggests taking the first letters.
'hard' is an anagram indicator.
'looks' becomes 'airs' (I've seen this in other clues).
'are what's needed' means one lot of letters go next to another.
The first letters of 'they say' is 'ts'.
'ts' anagrammed gives 'st'.
'st'+'airs'='STAIRS'
'to get to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stairs that I've seen before include "Ascending flight of steps" , "Interior means of ascent" , "Means of ascent/descent" , "Flights of steps" , "Way between floors" .)