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In order, but no water thanks! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

neat

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'in order' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'no water thanks' is the wordplay.
'no' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation y/n).
'water thanks' becomes 'eat' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'n'+'eat'='NEAT'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neat that I've seen before include "Tidy - old cow!" , "cows earlier" , "Nicely proportioned" , "Well-trimmed" , "Clean and orderly" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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