Crossword Genius

Stay normal — head off for a drink (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beverage

'a drink' is the definition.
('beverage' can be a synonym of 'drink')

'stay normal head off' is the wordplay.
'stay' becomes 'be' (stay can mean to continue to be a certain way).
'normal' becomes 'average' (synonyms).
'head off' means to remove the first letter.
'average' with its initial letter taken away is 'verage'.
'be'+'verage'='BEVERAGE'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for beverage that I've seen before include "Any drink, say a beer" , "Liquid refreshment" , "such as a Frappuccino" , "Liquid for drinking" , "Tea, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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