The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DALLYING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
A
L
L
Y
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result DALLYING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "showing hesitation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing hesitation = dallying.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DALLYING mean?
DALLYING verb- To waste time in trivial activities, or in idleness; to trifle.
- To caress, especially of a sexual nature; to fondle or pet
- To delay unnecessarily; to while away.
- To wind the lasso rope (ie throw-rope) around the saddle horn (the saddle horn is attached to the pommel of a western style saddle) after the roping of an animal
- Dalliance