The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ARREARS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
R
R
E
A
R
S
More clues leading to the result ARREARS
- A Romeo brings up something outstanding
- Annual return initially brings up unpaid debts
- Amount owed by retired artist rises
- Disheartened auditor backs debt
- Accounts really starting to rise alarmingly — they need settling first!
- A republican bum’s liabilities
- Outstanding money comes up after a rise, initially
- One can see one’s behind in these!
- Showing one’s behind in these?
- A b-bum’s liabilities?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they need settling first" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they need settling first = arrears.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 ARREARS mean?
ARREARS noun- Work to be done, obligation.
- Unpaid debt.
- That which is in the rear or behind.