GET ROUGH is an idiom that means to become more aggressive or intense. The crossword solutions HOARSEN, CHAP, and COARSEN all relate to this idiom. HOARSEN is a verb meaning to make one's voice rough or harsh. CHAP is a verb meaning to crack or split, often due to dryness or cold weather. COARSEN is a verb meaning to make something rough or crude. All three words can be used to describe the process of becoming more aggressive or intense, which is the definition of GET ROUGH.