Crossword Genius

He foots the bill - and it hurts (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ache

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it hurts' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'he foots the bill' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'che' and 'che' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'a' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ache that I've seen before include "Hanker" , "yearning" , "Throb - hurt" , "Long ? pain" , "Dull prolonged pain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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