Crossword Genius

Not an in-group from the beginning (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outset

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

'the beginning' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'not an in-group' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is located in the answer.
'group' could be 'set' (both can mean a collection) and 'set' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ut' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for outset that I've seen before include "debut?" , "launch" , "Fruit" , "Kickoff time?" , "Set out in the beginning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent and The Irish News.
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