Crossword Genius

Large cut in fuel hopefully just the start (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gash

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

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

'fuel hopefully just the start' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'fuel' could be 'gas' (gas is a kind of fuel) and 'gas' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'h' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gash that I've seen before include "Deep open cut" , "score heavily" , "extra" , "Cut deeply" , "Laceration" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.