Precursor to a clarifying remark

IMEAN

Think of what you might say before backtracking in a casual conversation.

This clue plays on how people often pause mid-sentence to rephrase or clarify what they just said. "I mean" is a common verbal filler used to introduce a correction or explanation, making it a literal "precursor to a clarifying remark." The answer drops the space to fit crossword style, turning the two-word phrase into "IMEAN." It’s a straightforward example of how everyday speech patterns can become clever puzzle answers.