Crossword Genius

Starts to keep one position, though not working (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kaput

'not working' is the definition.
(kaput can mean broken)

'starts to keep one position' is the wordplay.
'starts to' indicates taking the first letters.
'one' becomes 'a' (a thing is one thing).
'position' becomes 'put' (synonyms).
The initial letter of 'keep' is 'k'.
'k'+'a'+'put'='KAPUT'

'though' is the link.

(Other definitions for kaput that I've seen before include "Permanently broken" , "Up the spout" , "Completely broken down" , "Out of order,or broken, from German" , "Broken or finished - in Germany" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app