The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HESITATED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
H
E
S
I
T
A
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result HESITATED
- Paused to get warmed up with rest inside
- Delayed hospital diets and ate nuts
- Waited, excited to embrace model
- The man told about one held back
- He said I inhaled, but was reluctant
- The fellow designated to engage one showed indecision
- Having paused to listen, welcomes Jacques’ return
- Was indecisive, because the date is wrong
- Showed uncertainty as the tide went out
- Thought twice, angry about rest
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Showed uncertainty" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showed uncertainty = hesitated.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 HESITATED mean?
HESITATED verb- To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.
- To stammer; to falter in speaking.
- To utter with hesitation or to intimate by a reluctant manner.