Crossword Genius

The nod from principal for a local job (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

head start

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'the nod' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'principal for a local job' is the wordplay.
'principal' becomes 'head' ('head' can be a synonym of 'principal').
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a local job' becomes 'start' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'head'+'start'='HEAD START'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for head start that I've seen before include "Boost?" , "A good beginning using one's loaf" , "'The advantage of beginning ahead of others (4,5)'" , "Substantial initial advantage" , "An early advantage for the star ad" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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