Crossword Genius

Starts joint exit illicitly during service (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

jump ship

'exit illicitly during service' is the definition.
(leave a post on a ship)

'starts joint' is the wordplay.
'starts' becomes 'jumps' (to start can mean to jump at a sudden shock).
'joint' becomes 'hip' (part of body).
'jumps'+'hip'='JUMP SHIP'

(Other definitions for jump ship that I've seen before include "Unofficially, leave" , "Desert (originally from navy)" , "(Sailor) desert" , "Defect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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