Encouraging start?

Answer:

ATTA

Hint:

Think of a cheer you might hear at a sports event, often used to motivate someone at the beginning of a task.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the phrase "atta boy," an old-fashioned way to cheer someone on ("good job!"). The word "start" hints at taking the first part of "atta boy," which is "atta." The question mark signals it’s a pun or wordplay, not a literal definition.

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General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints