What does the cryptic crossword clue "After a breather, task is a cosmetic improvement (4,3)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). NOSE (synonym="breather") + JOB (synonym="task") = NOSEJOB The answer is NOSEJOB.

After a breather, task is a cosmetic improvement (4,3)

Guardian Cryptic #29543 | 17 Down | 2024-11-18 flower