Crossword Genius

Strong beer, holding bottle opener? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

able

'strong' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'beer holding bottle opener?' is the wordplay.
'beer' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'opener?' indicates taking the first letters (I've seen 'opener' mean this).
The first letter of 'bottle' is 'b'.
'ale' placed around 'b' is 'ABLE'.

(Other definitions for able that I've seen before include "Competent - sort of seaman" , "Clever skilful" , "Showing skill" , "Competent, having ability" , "Of high proficiency" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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