Frightened from the beginning but went ahead (8)

I believe the answer is:

startled

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'frightened' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'the beginning but went ahead' is the wordplay.
'the beginning but' becomes 'start' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'went ahead' becomes 'led' (led the way).
'start'+'led'='STARTLED'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Surprised with fright" , "Suddenly alarmed" , "Taken by surprise" , "Shocked, alarmed" , "Taken aback" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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