Crossword Genius

Drink to expression, but not for long (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shortterm

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not for long' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'drink to expression' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'short' ().
'to expression' becomes 'term' (both can mean a piece of vocabulary).
'short'+'term'='SHORTTERM'

'but' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app