Astonished from the off: was in front! (8)
I believe the answer is:
startled
'astonished' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'off was in front' is the wordplay.
'off' becomes 'start' (as in a phrase like 'from the off').
'was in front' becomes 'led' (I've seen this in another clue).
'start'+'led'='STARTLED'
'from the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Frightened or surprised suddenly" , "Suddenly alarmed" , "Surprised with fright" , "Shocked, alarmed" , "Stunned, shocked" .)