The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 plus 2 letter word BOTTOMS UP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
B
O
T
T
O
M
S
U
P
More clues leading to the result BOTTOMS UP
- Back in pub, saying when about to drink?
- Toast to show support, perhaps, then drink
- Over in bar, drinkers finally saying cheerio
- Last drink? Cheers!
- Weaver to drink a toast
- Last drink? Your very good health!
- Pub's motto, questionably - this?
- Pub's motto, possibly?
- Your health the worst: drink!
- Last drink cheers
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Back in pub, saying when about to drink?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case back in pub, saying when about to drink? = bottoms up.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.