Start to poke with stick, perhaps? (4)
I believe the answer is:
prod
'start to poke with stick perhaps?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'start to poke with stick' is the wordplay.
'start to' suggests taking the first letters.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'stick' becomes 'rod' (I've seen this in another clue).
The first letter of 'poke' is 'p'.
'p'+'rod'='PROD'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prod that I've seen before include "Motivate; jab" , "Remind (with elbow or stick?)" , "Goad, stimulate into action" , "Urge or stimulate" , "Poke or spur" .)