Crossword Genius

Touch up, freshen and sweep (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airbrush

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

'touch up' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'freshen and sweep' is the wordplay.
'freshen' becomes 'air' (airing is a kind of freshening).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'sweep' becomes 'brush' (synonyms).
'air'+'brush'='AIRBRUSH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for airbrush that I've seen before include "it's to smooth out the wrinkles" , "It's used to enhance a photograph" , "Represent as better than in fact - rub hairs (anag)" , "Prettify - alter a photo" , "Conceal details" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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