Crossword Genius

Drink brought back for close friend (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'close friend' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'drink brought back' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'lap' (lapping is a kind of drinking).
'brought back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'lap' reversed gives 'PAL'.

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "China" , "Mate, informal friend" , "Close friend" , "Mate, buddy" , "Buddy, chum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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