Crossword Genius

Lap up spilled tea (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eat

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

'lap up' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to consumption as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'spilled tea' is the wordplay.
'spilled' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tea' with letters rearranged gives 'EAT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eat that I've seen before include "Make food disappear" , "Dine in a restaurant" , "Break bread" , "Partake of" , "Consume (food)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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.