After false start, show off gift (5)

I believe the answer is:

flair

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'gift' is the definition.
(I know that flair is a type of gift)

'after false start show off' is the wordplay.
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'show off' becomes 'lair' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The initial letter of 'false' is 'f'.
'f' next to 'lair' is 'FLAIR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flair that I've seen before include "Creative brilliance" , "Natural ability/talent" , "Taste" , "Stylishness; talent" , "Stylishness, originality" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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