Crossword Genius

Awake right after booze? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alert

'awake' is the definition.
('alert' is associated in meaning with 'awake')

'right after booze?' is the wordplay.
'right' becomes 'rt'.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'booze?' becomes 'ale' (I've seen this before).
'rt' after 'ale' is 'ALERT'.

(Other definitions for alert that I've seen before include "Prompt" , "'Attentive, watchful (5)'" , "sharp-witted" , "Warning signal" , "Watchful and observant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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