Crossword Genius

Live, I hesitate to say, for drink! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beer

'for drink' is the definition.
(beer is a kind of drink)

'live i hesitate to say' is the wordplay.
'live' becomes 'be' (synonyms).
'i hesitate to say' becomes 'er' (expression used when hesitating).
'be'+'er'='BEER'

(Other definitions for beer that I've seen before include "Fermented malt and hops" , "Hop-flavoured drink" , "See 4 down" , "The standard English drink" , "Fermented alcoholic beverage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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