What does the cryptic crossword clue "To be hesitant is not entirely modest (5)" mean?

The definition is "To be hesitant". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. DEMURE (synonym of "modest") [curtailing: "not entirely"]; definition: "To be hesitant" The answer is DEMUR.

To be hesitant is not entirely modest (5)

Guardian Cryptic #25257 | 25 Down | 2011-02-28 flower

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