To put it briefly, make the total higher (3,2)
I believe the answer is:
sum up
'to put it briefly make' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'total higher' is the wordplay.
'total' becomes 'sum' (synonyms).
'higher' becomes 'up'.
'sum'+'up'='SUM UP'
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sum up that I've seen before include "Recapitulate (in court)" , "Make final precis of evidence" , "Money more than before" , "(Of a judge) review the evidence" , "Recapitulate (as for jury)" .)