Cryptic crossword clue
Was nearly sick about Oxford University having improved image 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RETOUCHED

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "improved image" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case improved image = retouched.
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 RETOUCHED mean?

RETOUCHED verb
  1. To improve something (especially a photograph), by adding or correcting details, or by removing flaws.
  2. To colour the roots of hair to match hair previously coloured.
  3. To modify a flint tool by making secondary flaking along the cutting edge.

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