Crossword Genius

Pay to get something off one's chest? (5,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cough up

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'pay' is the definition.
(to cough up can mean to pay money)

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

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(Other definitions for cough up that I've seen before include "Pay out under duress" , "Clear throat and pay what you owe" , "(Reluctantly) contribute" , "Clear throat to part with money" , "Pay money with some reluctance - clear throat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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