Start with group of has-beens? (6)
I believe the answer is:
outset
'start with group of has-beens?' is the definition.
'outset' can be an answer for 'start' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'with group of has-beens?' bit.
'start with group' is the wordplay.
'start' becomes 'out' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'group' becomes 'set' (both can mean a collection).
'out'+'set'='OUTSET'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for outset that I've seen before include "origin" , "Opening stage" , "Set out in the beginning" , "Beginning, start" , "launch" .)