Crossword Genius

To start with, take a raw beginner in hand (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

first

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'to start' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'raw beginner in hand' is the wordplay.
'beginner' suggests taking the first letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'hand' becomes 'fist' (hand curled into a fist).
The initial letter of 'raw' is 'r'.
'r' going inside 'fist' is 'FIRST'.

'with take a' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

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(Other definitions for first that I've seen before include "at the outset" , "Prime" , ""Eclipse _____ ..." , "second to none" , "Before all else" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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