Crossword Genius

For a start, many take the tube back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debut

'for a start' is the definition.
(debut is a kind of start)

'many take the tube back' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'D' (Roman numeral for 500).
'take' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'tube' reversed gives 'ebut'.
'd'+'ebut'='DEBUT'

(Other definitions for debut that I've seen before include "Appear in public for the first time" , "First appearance, a coming-out" , "Tubed (anag.)" , "The coming out of a society girl" , "First appearance, coming out" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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