Crossword Genius

Spirited opening of performance, promising (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plucky

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'spirited' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for plucky that I've seen before include "Doughty" , "Game" , "Determined, courageous" , "Feisty, gutsy" , "with bottle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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