GIVE AN EDGE is a phrase that refers to giving someone or something an advantage. The term can be broken down into three crossword solutions: WHET, HONE, and STROP. WHET is a verb meaning to sharpen or stimulate, HONE is a verb meaning to make more acute or effective, and STROP is a noun referring to a leather strap used to sharpen a blade. Together, these words suggest the idea of sharpening or improving something to give it an edge.