To play this sharply is less clever (4)

I believe the answer is:

harp

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

'to play' is the definition.
(harping is a kind of playing)

'this sharply is less clever' is the wordplay.
'HARP' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for harp that I've seen before include "Traditional Gaelic musical instrument" , "Talk tiresomely using upright musical instrument" , "Emblem of Ireland" , "''The ... that once through Tara's halls'' (4)" , "Chordophone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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