Crossword Genius

It follows higher course to start with? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soup

'course to start with?' is the definition.

'it follows higher' is the wordplay.
'it follows' becomes 'so'.
'higher' becomes 'up'.
'so'+'up'='SOUP'

(Other definitions for soup that I've seen before include "See 19" , "Stolen plate melted down" , "Bisque, for example" , "Eg, mulligatawny" , "Eskimo people" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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