Boots' pastry needs a boost to begin with (4-5)

I believe the answer is:

kick-start

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'a boost to begin with' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'boots' pastry' is the wordplay.
'boots'' becomes 'kicks'' ('kick' can be a synonym of 'boot').
'pastry' becomes 'tart' (type of pastry).
'kicks'+'tart'='KICK-START'

'needs' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kick-start that I've seen before include "Activate (business or motorbike!)" , "Activate suddenly" , "Get something going" , "Stimulate" , "How to get a motorcycle going" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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