Awkward predicament (6)
I believe the answer is:
scrape
'awkward predicament' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for scrape that I've seen before include "Clear or smooth by grating" , "Informally, an awkward situation due to rashness" , "Save as much as possible" , "Rasp or abrade" , "Slight skin abrasion" .)