Crossword Genius

Worries about a false start in a chase, perhaps (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chafes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'worries' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both feelings as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a false start in a chase perhaps' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'perhaps' is an anagram indicator.
The first letter of 'false' is 'f'.
'chase' with letters rearranged gives 'chaes'.
'f' going inside 'chaes' is 'CHAFES'.

'about' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chafes that I've seen before include "Makes sore by friction" , "Makes sore by rubbing against" , "Hurts through constant rubbing" , "Results of friction" .)

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