Crossword Genius

Up to the B in “beverage” (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

able

'up to' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'the b in beverage' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'beverage' becomes 'ale' (ale is a kind of beverage).
'b' inserted within 'ale' is 'ABLE'.

(Other definitions for able that I've seen before include "Competent, capable" , "... was I ere I saw Elba (palindrome)" , "Having the ability to do something" , "Competent and equipped" , "Fully competent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app