Liquid, methinks not ink (5)

I believe the answer is:

meths

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'liquid methinks not ink' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'methinks not ink' is the wordplay.
'not' suggests deleting specific letters.
'methinks' with 'ink' taken out is 'METHS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

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

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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