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Back in pub, saying when about to drink? (7,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bottoms up

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'back in pub saying when' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'to drink?' is the wordplay.
'to' becomes 'bottom' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'drink?' becomes 'sup' (to sup is to drink).
'bottom'+'sup'='BOTTOMS UP'

'about' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bottoms up that I've seen before include "Your good health!" , "Down the hatch!" , "Toast" , "Cheers!" , "down it goes!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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