It's clever to take the short way, starting early (4)

I believe the answer is:

cute

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

'it's clever' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'the short way starting early' is the wordplay.
'the short way' becomes 'cut' (cut is a kind of way. I am not sure about the 'short' bit.).
'starting' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'early' is 'e'.
'cut'+'e'='CUTE'

'to take' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cute that I've seen before include "Attractive or ingenious" , "Location" , "Quaintly attractive" , "Winsome" , "Daintily pleasing" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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