Crossword Genius

Begins to show saintly skills? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starts

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

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

'saintly skills?' is the wordplay.
'saintly' becomes 'st' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'skills?' becomes 'arts' (I've seen this in another clue).
'st'+'arts'='STARTS'

'to show' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starts that I've seen before include "reacts in surprise" , "begins or recoils" , "Begins with surprise reactions?" , "Makes sudden movement from pain or surprise" , "Begins - or jumps as with fright" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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