Crossword Genius

When drawing, cheat a bit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trace

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

'a bit' is the definition.
(both mean a small amount)

'when drawing cheat' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'trac' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trace that I've seen before include "indicator" , "Follow to source" , "Detect - track" , "Track; small quantity" , "Locate by investigation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app