Set off in good time towards dawn (8)
I believe the answer is:
easterly
'towards dawn' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'set off in good time' is the wordplay.
'off' is an anagram indicator.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'good time' becomes 'early' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'good' bit.).
'set' with letters rearranged gives 'ste'.
'ste' going within 'early' is 'EASTERLY'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for easterly that I've seen before include "A wind blowing towards the west" , "bitter blow for the UK" , "The sort of wind that brings cold air to this country" , "large blow" , "Of wind, blowing from direction of rising sun" .)