Crossword Genius

Payment when you feel short of money? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fee

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

'payment' is the definition.
(payment for a job)

'feel short of money?' is the wordplay.
'short of' is a deletion indicator.
'money?' becomes 'l' (L can mean 'pounds').
'feel' with 'l' taken away is 'FEE'.

'when you' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fee that I've seen before include "Cost" , "Amount paid for job" , "(Entry) charge" , "Charge for professional services" , "price" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.