Crossword Genius

Idea that initially works (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plant

'works' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'idea that initially' is the wordplay.
'idea' becomes 'plan' (plan is a kind of idea).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'that' is 't'.
'plan'+'t'='PLANT'

(Other definitions for plant that I've seen before include "Factory; informer" , "Set; factory" , "Living organism without locomotion" , "Spy; manufacturer's site" , "Place in the ground to grow" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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