Crossword Genius

Start a dismissed firm (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outset

'start' is the definition.
(I know that start can be written as outset)

'a dismissed firm' is the wordplay.
'a dismissed' becomes 'out' (I've seen this before).
'firm' becomes 'set' (both can mean fixed).
'out'+'set'='OUTSET'

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

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.