Crossword Genius

Start to live with spirit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

begin

'start' is the definition.
('begin' can be a synonym of 'start')

'live with spirit' is the wordplay.
'live' becomes 'be' ('be' can be a synonym of 'live').
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'spirit' becomes 'gin' (I've seen this before).
'be'+'gin'='BEGIN'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for begin that I've seen before include "Partly open" , "Clandestine, furtive" , "Launch" , "Commence" , "Initiate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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