Crossword Genius

Inclination to study Italian at first with head (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

readiness

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

'study italian at first with head' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'read' (synonyms).
'at first' indicates taking the first letters.
'with head' becomes 'ness' (ness is a headland. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
The initial letter of 'italian' is 'i'.
'read'+'i'+'ness'='READINESS'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for readiness that I've seen before include "initiative" , "Immediate availability" , "Promptitude" , "Inclination" , "State of being prepared and willing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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