Since you didn't hear me the first time ...

ISAID

Think of what you might say to repeat yourself in a conversation, often with a hint of impatience. The answer is a short phrase that starts with "I."

This clue plays on the idea of repeating yourself when someone doesn’t listen. The phrase "Since you didn't hear me the first time..." hints at what you’d say next—literally spelling out "I said" as the answer. It’s a straightforward charade where the clue mimics a real-life scenario, turning a common expression into the solution. The answer "ISAID" fits because it’s exactly what you’d emphasize when repeating yourself.