Crossword Genius

Fear of starting trouble by mistake (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

terror

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

'fear of starting' is the definition.
'terror' can be an answer for 'fear' (terror is a kind of fear). I am not certain of the 'of starting' bit.

'trouble by mistake' is the wordplay.
'trouble' becomes 't' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'mistake' becomes 'error' (synonyms).
't'+'error'='TERROR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for terror that I've seen before include "State of great fright" , "(What causes) panic" , "Organised political violence" , "State of extreme fear" , "Extreme or intense fear" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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