What does the cryptic crossword clue "Hesitation having underwear in this shade (5)" mean?

The definition is "shade". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). UM (abbreviation="Hesitation") + BRA (synonym="underwear") = UMBRA; definition: "shade" The answer is UMBRA.

Hesitation having underwear in this shade (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29632 | 16 Across | 2025-03-03 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →