The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FINANCES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
I
N
A
N
C
E
S
More clues leading to the result FINANCES
- More than one intended to invest new money
- Penalties restricting overseas party funds
- Funds in an instant old woman provided for backing
- Pays for female setter to visit Cannes for a change
- Penalties imposed around political party’s funds
- Groom-to-be’s accepting new monetary situation
- Fines can be collected to generate funds
- Engaged partners to attract new sponsors
- Men committed to union securing new funds
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pays for" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pays for = finances.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 FINANCES mean?
FINANCES noun- The management of money and other assets.
- The science of management of money and other assets.
- (usually in the plural) Monetary resources, especially those of a public entity or a company.
- The provision of a loan, payment instalment terms, or similar arrangement, to enable a customer to purchase an item without paying the full amount straight away.
- To conduct, or procure money for, financial operations; manage finances.
- To pay ransom.
- To manage financially; be financier for; provide or obtain funding for a transaction or undertaking.
- To extort ransom from.
- Funds or other financial resources