Crossword Genius

Bad ones don't get paid (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debts

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'bad ones' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debts that I've seen before include "They're owed" , "Outstanding sums" , "Moneys owed" , "Amounts owed" , "Monies owed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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