Crossword Genius

Underlying reason to limit beer supply? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rationale

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'underlying reason' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'limit beer supply?' is the wordplay.
'limit' becomes 'ration' (rationing is a kind of limiting).
'beer supply?' becomes 'ale' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ration'+'ale'='RATIONALE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rationale that I've seen before include "justification" , "Logical basis (for a course of action)" , "Logical reason for action" , "Basis of logic" , "Underlying principle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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