The term 'was in debt' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: 'OWED' and 'TROD'. 'OWED' is a verb meaning to be under an obligation to pay or repay someone or something, usually money. 'TROD' is a verb meaning to walk heavily or laboriously, often with a feeling of weariness or reluctance. Together, these two words describe the situation of being in debt, which is when a person owes money to another person or entity.