Crossword Genius

Dawn has lit up place (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

onset

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

'dawn' is the definition.
(both can mean the beginning of something)

'lit up place' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'lit' could be 'on' (eg a light that is switched on) and 'on' is found within the answer.
'place' could be 'set' (synonyms) and 'set' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'has' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for onset that I've seen before include "Start - opening moments" , "Initial stage; attack" , "Appearance of" , "Start - notes (anag)" , "origin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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.