single in kind of the most onerous ...

single in kind of the most onerous construction contract clauses for subcontractors is a contingent payment clause, commonly referr to as a "pay if paid" clause. An enforceable "pay if paid" clause makes the subcontractor, instead of the general contractor, bear the risk nonpayment from the owner.
Contingent payment clauses issue in all sizes and colors. The precise wording of the clause will make the difference whether a clause is constru as simply setting forth the time when payment is be made, which in no consequence will be long than a reasonable time, or whether the