The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MENDING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "improving" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case improving = mending.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MENDING mean?
MENDING verb- To repair, as anything that is torn, broken, defaced, decayed, or the like; to restore from partial decay, injury, or defacement.
- To alter for the better; to set right; to reform; hence, to quicken; as, to mend one's manners or pace.
- To help, to advance, to further; to add to.
- To grow better; to advance to a better state; to become improved.
- The act by which something is mended or repaired.