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First Post (Bharat)
Please help me in parsing / solving this cryptic clue -
"Started in bar hired by undertaking (7)"

Think hired is a container indicator and definition is started

Yes Candledave, I have been thinking in that angle also. But unable to get a satisfactory answer.

Ok I thought it would be DEBUTED

Parses as 3 ("bar", word begins with B) inside 4 ("undertaking", word begins with D).

Posts crossed, agree with candledave.

Thanks candledave and geeker for your help.

Please help me in parsing / solving this cryptic clue -
"Old agent collapsed following brief contest (7)"
I was thinking of ARCHAIC with Arch as brief for contest Archery, and agent CIA. But I am not satisfied with Arch for archery. Request for help.

Bharat, Definition is 'old'. It's an anagram (collapsed) following a shortened word for 'contest' (3)

Bharat, arch for archery is a listed abbreviation in Chambers, pretty much the crossword Bible.