What does the cryptic crossword clue "Pay out starting odds before the finish (5)" mean?

The definition is "Pay". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). SP (synonym="starting odds") + END (synonym="the finish") = SPEND; definition: "Pay" The answer is SPEND.

Pay out starting odds before the finish (5)

Guardian Cryptic #26837 | 22 Down | 2016-03-21 flower

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