The phrase "price to pay" refers to the cost, whether financial, emotional, or time-related, associated with a particular decision, action, or outcome. It implies that there is a trade-off involved; in order to achieve a certain goal or benefit, one must be willing to bear some form of sacrifice or cost. This concept can apply in various contexts, such as business, personal relationships, or life choices.
The clue "Price to pay" suggests a need to infer a word or phrase that captures the concept of a cost, fee, or penalty associated with something. This kind of clue often leads to several possibilities, depending on the number of letters and any known letters you may have.
### Analyzing the Clue:
1. **Synonyms**: Start by thinking of synonyms related to "price" and "pay." Some potential synonyms for "price" include:
- Cost
- Fee
- Charge
- Payment
- Toll
2. **Phrase Interpretation**: Sometimes, clues can be metaphorical or represent a phrase rather than a single word. The phrase could allude to the concept of “cost,” as in, it could be referencing both a literal cost (monetary value) or a figurative one (like a personal sacrifice).
3. **Common Phrases**: Consider common phrases that might fit. For example:
- "Cost to bear" or simply "Cost."
- "Toll" (implying a figurative payment)
- Perhaps "price" itself might imply a "cost" that one needs to accept.
4. **Cross Reference**: If you have other intersecting words or letters, it might help narrow down the possibilities. For instance, if you know it has 4 letters and the second letter is an ‘O,’ then "TOLL" would fit perfectly.
### Likely Answers:
- **Toll**: If we go by the number of letters that fit, "toll" is a common answer for "price to pay," especially in the context of road usage or a figurative cost.
- **Cost**: Another strong candidate if the letters allow for a total count of four letters.
### Crossword Technique Tips:
1. **Think Broadly**: When you encounter a clue, consider every possible interpretation—literal, metaphorical, and idiomatic.
2. **Use Known Letters**: Fill in known letters from intersecting answers to refine your possibilities.
3. **Consider Context**: Sometimes the theme or surrounding clues can hint at a particular direction for the answer.
4. **Keep a List**: If unsure, jot down synonyms associated with the clue—it will keep your options open.
In summary, the answer to "Price to pay" could likely be **TOLL** if it's talking about a fee, or **COST** depending on the letter count and confirmed letters to confirm accuracy.