Crossword Genius

Excellent finishing, not starting (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

topping

'excellent' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'finishing not starting' is the wordplay.
'finishing' becomes 'stopping' ('stop' can be a synonym of 'finish').
'not starting' means to remove the first letter.
'stopping' with its initial letter removed is 'TOPPING'.

(Other definitions for topping that I've seen before include "Absolutely excellent!" , "Crowning" , "Sauce; excellent (dated)" , "custard?" , "murder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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