Gives up dessert as a first action (4-5)

I believe the answer is:

kick-start

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

'as a first action' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'gives up dessert' is the wordplay.
'gives up' becomes 'kicks' (kicking is a kind of giving up).
'dessert' becomes 'tart' (type of dessert).
'kicks'+'tart'='KICK START'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kick-start that I've seen before include "Stimulate" , "How to get a motorcycle going" , "Activate suddenly" , "make a good beginning" , "Provide an initial impetus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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.