Cryptic crossword clue
To be hesitant is not entirely modest 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DEMUR

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
E
M
U
R


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The straight part
We know that "To be hesitant" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case to be hesitant = demur.
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 DEMUR mean?

DEMUR noun
  1. Stop; pause; hesitation as to proceeding; suspense of decision or action; scruple.
DEMUR verb
  1. To linger; to stay; to tarry
  2. To delay; to pause; to suspend proceedings or judgment in view of a doubt or difficulty; to hesitate; to put off the determination or conclusion of an affair.
  3. To scruple or object; to take exception; to oppose; to balk
  4. To interpose a demurrer.
  5. To suspend judgment concerning; to doubt of or hesitate about
  6. To cause delay to; to put off

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