They may be liberal (4)
I believe the answer is:
arts
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">they may be liberal</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(I've seen this in another clue)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is all the clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for arts that I've seen before include "Wiles, skills" , "A degree" , "___ and crafts" , "Aesthetic pursuits or creations" , "Cultural subjects; skills" .)