Crossword Genius

Promises to start painting. Left the borders (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pledges

'promises' is the definition.
(pledging is a kind of promising)

'start painting left the borders' is the wordplay.
'start' indicates taking the first letters.
'the borders' becomes 'edges' ('edge' can be a synonym of 'border').
The initial letters of 'painting left' is 'pl'.
'pl'+'edges'='PLEDGES'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for pledges that I've seen before include "Vows" , "Promises" , "Loyal toasts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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