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 Times and The Sunday Times.
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