Crossword Genius

Start backing away from a fight (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bout

'a fight' is the definition.
(as in a bout in boxing)

'start backing away' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'away' becomes 'out' (similar in meaning).
The first letter of 'backing' is 'b'.
'b'+'out'='BOUT'

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for bout that I've seen before include "Spell; contest" , "Attack (of illness)" , "Short period of intense activity" , "Contest between boxers" , "Fight; instance of illness" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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