Crossword Genius

Test for one newly off the drink? (3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dry run

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

'the drink?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'test for one newly' is the wordplay.
'test' becomes 'run' (synonyms).
'for' says to put letters next to each other (I've seen this in other clues).
'one newly' becomes 'dry' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'run' put after 'dry' is 'DRY RUN'.

'off' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dry run that I've seen before include "event staged by AA?" , "Practice session, rehearsal" , "Dummy trial on thirsty trot?" , "Rehearsal like arid trot" , "A dummy test - sounds thirsty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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