Crossword Genius

Even at the start, you finish in debt! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debut

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

'even at the start' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'you finish in debt' is the wordplay.
'finish' says to take the final letters.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
The final letter of 'you' is 'u'.
'u' put into 'debt' is 'DEBUT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debut that I've seen before include "Tubed (anag.)" , "entrance" , "where one began" , "First appearance, coming out" , "Introduction" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.