Crossword Genius

Had a blow-out, account unpaid (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

billowed

'had a blow-out' is the definition.
(to billow is to blow out or swell with air)

'account unpaid' is the wordplay.
'account' becomes 'bill' (synonyms).
'unpaid' becomes 'owed' (similar in meaning).
'bill'+'owed'='BILLOWED'

(Other definitions for billowed that I've seen before include "Swollen account was due payment" , "was swelling" , "Flowed with an undulating motion; filled with air" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app