Crossword Genius

Be first to leave? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

start

I believe this is a triple definition!

'be' is the first definition.
(I know that start is a type of be)

'first' is the second definition.
(synonyms)

'to' acts as a link.

'leave?' is the third definition.
(starting is a kind of leaving)

(Other definitions for start that I've seen before include "launch" , "Origin" , "begin an argument?" , "Onset" , "Opening - jump" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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