Initiates stop work to have a meal (7,2)

I believe the answer is:

strikes up

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'initiates stop' is the definition.
'strikes up' can be an answer for 'initiates' (striking up is a kind of initiating). I am not sure about the 'stop' bit.

'work to have a meal' is the wordplay.
'work' becomes 'strike' (striking is a kind of working).
'to have a meal' becomes 'sup' (I've seen this in another clue).
'strike'+'sup'='STRIKES UP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for strikes up that I've seen is " starts to play".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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