Crossword Genius

When key's missing, start boiling with rage (3-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hot-wire

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'when key's missing start' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'boiling with rage' is the wordplay.
'boiling' becomes 'hot' (similar in meaning).
'with' becomes 'w' (short for with).
'rage' becomes 'ire' (ire is anger).
'hot'+'w'+'ire'='HOT-WIRE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for hot-wire that I've seen is " Make unorthodox start".)

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