The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word OWE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
O
W
E
More clues leading to the result OWE
- Nothing you and I are indebted to
- Are obliged to go interview candidate, finally
- I felt that initially extravagant need to pay
- Without cover, might still have to pay
- Be in the red, having zero points
- Some borrow euros – they’ll do this
- Be indebted to nameless Welshman
- In case of opposite, women are obliged to pay
- Concede authority when undressed
- Be obliged to pay for letter being broadcast
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "need to pay" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case need to pay = owe.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 OWE mean?
OWE verb- To be under an obligation to give something back to someone or to perform some action for someone.
- To have debt; to be in debt.