Crossword Genius

Quick runs help around start of play (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rapid

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'quick' is the definition.
('rapid' can be a synonym of 'quick')

'runs help around start of play' is the wordplay.
'runs help' becomes 'rap' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'around' says the letters should be written backwards.
'start of' means to remove the last letter.
'play' becomes 'die' (dying is a kind of playing).
'die' with its final letter taken away is 'di'.
'di' back-to-front is 'id'.
'rap'+'id'='RAPID'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rapid that I've seen before include "haste" , "Moving at speed" , "Happening at great speed" , "moving fast" , "Quick or swift" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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