Crossword Genius

All eager for a try before start of game (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agog

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'all eager' is the definition.
'agog' can be an answer for 'eager' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'all' bit.

'a try before start of game' is the wordplay.
'try' becomes 'go' (go is a kind of try).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'start of' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'game' is 'g'.
'a'+'go'+'g'='AGOG'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agog that I've seen before include "Very curious to hear" , "Eagerly excited" , "Eagerly expectant" , "Expectant, eager" , "Eagerly awaiting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app