Start working, seeing expert about strained back (7)
I believe the answer is:
actuate
'start working' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'expert about strained back' is the wordplay.
'expert' becomes 'ace' (ace can informally mean very good).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'strained' becomes 'taut' (I've seen this in another clue).
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'taut' reversed gives 'tuat'.
'ace' going around 'tuat' is 'ACTUATE'.
'seeing' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for actuate that I've seen before include "Spark off" , "Put into operation" , "Cause to operate" , "Put into effect" , "trip?" .)