Crossword Genius

Australian timid, being pallid (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ashy

'being pallid' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'australian timid' is the wordplay.
'australian' becomes 'A' (common abbreviation).
'timid' becomes 'shy' (similar in meaning).
'a'+'shy'='ASHY'

(Other definitions for ashy that I've seen before include "Like, eg, volcanic dust" , "pale greyish colour" , "Light grey" , "Like burnt wood or coal" , "Wan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app