Crossword Genius

Cheerful time at the bar! (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

happy hour

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'the bar' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'cheerful time' is the wordplay.
'cheerful' becomes 'happy' (associated in meaning).
'time' becomes 'hour' (unit of time).
'happy'+'hour'='HAPPY HOUR'

'at' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for happy hour that I've seen before include "Cheap time to get merry!" , "beer goes down" , "Period of cheap drinks" , "Cheap drinking time" , "pub's promotion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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