thong, beginning, inception, end, cord, strap, mental or emotional state
緒 centers on a thread-like beginning or connection: the start of something, a cord or strap that ties things together, and by extension a mental or emotional state that binds or initiates. The 'end' sense is a natural counterpart to the beginning, like the two ends of a thread.
緒 combines 糸 (thread) with 者, which likely contributes the sound. The thread component suggests the idea of a beginning or end of a thread, and by extension the start of something or a connecting cord.
The left side 糸 is thread, and the right side 者 looks like a person sitting. Imagine a person holding the end of a thread, ready to begin weaving or tying a strap. That thread is the start of something, a cord, or a state of mind.
For ショ, picture a short thread that marks the beginning of a project: short -> ショ, and the thread is the start.
(doing) together
secrecy; confidentiality; privacy; secret
cord; strap; thong
emotion; feeling
history; pedigree; lineage
start; beginning; first step; clue
jumble; hodgepodge; potpourri; heterogenous mixture
umbilical cord
beginning of hostilities; beginning of competition
sandal strap; geta strap
(doing) together
jumbling together; lumping together; mixing up
together (with)
to do together
to come together; to join; to merge; to meet (up with)
the friendly atmosphere of the traditional commercial and working-class neighborhoods
cord for attaching a sword scabbard tightly to the obi; sword strap; sword knot
Guangxu era (of emperor Dezong of Qing; 1875-1908)
to brace oneself (e.g. for battle); to pull oneself together; to focus one's mind; to tighten the strings of one's helmet
secret; private matter; confidential matter