Consumed not merely a bit of water (3)

I believe the answer is:

ate

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'consumed' is the definition.
(to eat is to consume food)

'merely a bit of water' is the wordplay.
'ATE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

'not' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ate that I've seen before include "Had at meal" , "included in one's diet" , "Worried" , "Bolted" , "mischief-maker" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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