Crossword Genius

What starts Popeye in breaking chains? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spinach

'what starts popeye in breaking chains?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'starts popeye in breaking chains?' is the wordplay.
'starts' says to take the initial letters.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'breaking' indicates anagramming the letters.
The initial letter of 'popeye' is 'p'.
'chains' is an anagram of 'sinach'.
'p' going inside 'sinach' is 'SPINACH'.

(Other definitions for spinach that I've seen before include "Some greens" , "leaves on plate?" , "Vegetable leaves" , "Popeye's vegetable" , "something to eat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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