Cryptic crossword clue
Stop knocking back drink in past 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word BELAY

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
E
L
A
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Stop" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stop = belay.
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.

What does BELAY mean?

BELAY noun
  1. The securing of a rope to a rock or other projection.
  2. The object to which a rope is secured.
  3. A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.
BELAY verb
  1. To surround; environ; enclose.
  2. To overlay; adorn.
  3. To besiege; invest; surround.
  4. To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.
  5. To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat or piton.
  6. To secure (a person) to a rope or (a rope) to a person.
  7. To lay aside; stop; cancel.
  8. The general command to stop or cease.

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