Crossword Genius

Use iron to get fewer? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

decrease

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'use' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for decrease that I've seen before include "cut back" , "Plummet" , "Make or become less" , "Make smaller or fewer" , "Abate, diminish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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