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It contains a dye, but methinks no ink (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meths

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'it contains a dye' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is a plural noun.

'methinks no ink' is the wordplay.
'no' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'methinks' with 'ink' taken out is 'METHS'.

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meths that I've seen before include "Methylated spirits (colloq.)" , "Fuel" , "Violet-coloured alcohol" , "unsuitable alcohol" , "Spirit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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