About dame not starting to get prepared (5)
I believe the answer is:
ready
'prepared' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
'about dame not starting' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 're' ('re' means regarding or about).
'dame' becomes 'lady' (synonyms).
'not starting' means to remove the first letter.
'lady' with its initial letter removed is 'ady'.
're'+'ady'='READY'
'to get' is the link.
(Other definitions for ready that I've seen before include "All set to go" , "Prepare money" , "At hand" , "In addition" , "rough companion" .)