The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ENHANCING
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Buddy explains!

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 ENHANCING mean?
ENHANCING verb- To lift, raise up.
- To augment or make something greater.
- To improve something by adding features.
- To be raised up; to grow larger.
- (radiology) To take up contrast agent (for an organ, tissue, or lesion).