Consumed tea messily (3)

I believe the answer is:

ate

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

'tea messily' is the wordplay.
'messily' indicates an anagram.
'tea' anagrammed gives 'ATE'.

(Other definitions for ate that I've seen before include "Worried" , "Greek goddess of mischief" , "upset > Greek goddess" , "Consumed food" , "Tea (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app