Crossword Genius

Start of line crossed by bird (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flinch

'start' is the definition.
(I know that flinch is a type of start)

'line crossed by bird' is the wordplay.
'line' becomes 'l' (used when specifying particular lines from a poem).
'crossed by' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are crossed or covered by others).
'bird' becomes 'finch' (finch is a kind of bird).
'l' placed within 'finch' is 'FLINCH'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for flinch that I've seen before include "Shrink back (out of pain/fear)" , "Draw back, with fear or pain" , "Draw back in fear, recoil" , "Draw back in shock" , "Wince or draw back in fear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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