Crossword Genius

Innovative in exam, consuming one drink (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

original

'innovative' is the definition.
('original' can be similar in meaning to 'innovative')

'exam consuming one drink' is the wordplay.
'exam' becomes 'oral' (oral exam is a kind of exam).
'consuming' is an insertion indicator.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'drink' becomes 'gin' (gin is a kind of drink**).
'i'+'gin'='igin'
'oral' enclosing 'igin' is 'ORIGINAL'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for original that I've seen before include "- - sin" , "From which a copy is made" , "New and unusual" , "derivation" , "In first form" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.