Damage can start to impair it? (7)

I believe the answer is:

martini

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'it?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'damage can start to impair' is the wordplay.
'damage' becomes 'mar' (to mar is to spoil or damage).
'can' becomes 'tin' (both are metal containers).
'start to' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'impair' is 'i'.
'mar'+'tin'+'i'='MARTINI'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for martini that I've seen before include "Gin or vodka with dry vermouth" , "Cocktail of gin and dry vermouth" , "Type of Italian vermouth" , "Cocktail made with gin or vodka and vermouth" , "Alternative name for Simone Memmi, pre-Renaissance Italian painter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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