Time to pay for freedom in the bar (7)
I believe the answer is:
transom
'the bar' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'time to pay for freedom' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ransom' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for transom that I've seen before include "Boat's flat stern - horizontal beam" , "something seen in the window" , "Bar above window or door" , "Lintel" , "Horizontal bar across door for matrons" .)