Crossword Genius

Beginning to beat out precious metal, striking head (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

threshold

'beginning' is the definition.
(e.g. threshold of a dazzling career)

'beat out precious metal striking head' is the wordplay.
'beat out' becomes 'thresh' (thresh can mean to hit violently).
'precious metal' becomes 'gold' (gold is a precious metal).
'striking head' means to remove the first letter (strike out or remove the first letter).
'gold' with its initial letter taken off is 'old'.
'thresh'+'old'='THRESHOLD'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for threshold that I've seen before include "Starting point for a new experience" , "Doorstep" , "Doorway, entrance" , "Lower limit" , "Sill of house door" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.