Crossword Genius

Bad booze endlessly knocked back as contraband? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

illegal

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

'contraband?' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'bad booze endlessly knocked back' is the wordplay.
'bad' becomes 'ill' (associated in meaning).
'booze' becomes 'table wine'.
'endlessly' means to look at the middle letters (the ends of the words are removed).
'knocked back' becomes 'gal' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
The middle of 'tablewine' is 'e'.
'ill'+'e'+'gal'='ILLEGAL'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for illegal that I've seen before include "Not in conformity with law" , "Black" , "Wrong" , "Black-market" , "Forbidden" .)

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