Crossword Genius

Ace hit hard makes you embarrassed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abashed

'embarrassed' is the definition.
('abash' can be a synonym of 'embarrass')

'ace hit hard' is the wordplay.
'ace' becomes 'a'.
'hit hard' becomes 'bashed' (I've seen this before).
'a'+'bashed'='ABASHED'

'makes you' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for abashed that I've seen before include "Confounded" , "turned red?" , "Had base (anag.)" , "Feeling uneasy" , "Embarrassed or ashamed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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