Crossword Genius

Hard up but bound to get paid? (8,3,4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

8

8,3,4

strapped for cash

'hard up' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'bound to get paid?' is the wordplay.
'bound' becomes 'strapped' (strapping is a kind of binding).
'to get paid?' becomes 'for cash' (you do something for cash to get paid).
'strapped'+'forcash'='STRAPPED FOR CASH'

'but' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for strapped for cash that I've seen before include "not rolling in it" , "Bust" , "needing money" , "as an S & M prostitute?" , "very short of money?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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