Crossword Genius

Began to trade, perhaps, in beer (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

started out

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

'began' is the definition.
('start out' can be a synonym of 'begin')

'trade perhaps in beer' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'trade' is 'arted' which is within the answer.
'beer' could be 'stout' (I've seen this before) and 'stout' is located in the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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