Crossword Genius

Hint sentry's outside, slightly sozzled (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tipsy

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

'slightly sozzled' is the definition.
'tipsy' can be an answer for 'sozzled' (synonyms). I'm not sure about the 'slightly' bit.

'hint sentry's outside' is the wordplay.
'hint' becomes 'tip' (synonyms).
'outside' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'sentry' with its centre taken out is 'sy'.
'tip'+'sy'='TIPSY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tipsy that I've seen before include "A bit drunk" , "Loaded" , "Merry, squiffy" , "Slightly intoxicated" , "1 over 8" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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