Beginning to guide, then leaving (4,3)
I believe the answer is:
lead off
'beginning' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'guide then leaving' is the wordplay.
'guide' becomes 'lead' (lead can mean to usher or guide).
'then' says to put letters next to each other.
'leaving' becomes 'off' ('I'm off' means 'I'm leaving').
'lead'+'off'='LEAD-OFF'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lead off that I've seen before include "Make a start" , "Begin, start" , "Begin the dance" , "Initiate an action" .)