Crossword Genius

Am a little upset first, taking aim (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ambition

'aim' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'am a little upset first' is the wordplay.
'a little' becomes 'bit' (a small bit).
'upset' is a reversal indicator.
'first' becomes 'noi' (resembles No. 1).
'noi' written backwards gives 'ion'.
'am'+'bit'+'ion'='AMBITION'

'taking' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ambition that I've seen before include "Desire to succeed in life" , "Cherished aspiration" , "wanting to succeed" , "A determination to succeed" , "Objective" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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