Crossword Genius

Carbon limit numbers rising? Looking embarrassed? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crimson

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'looking embarrassed?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'carbon limit numbers rising?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'carbon' could be 'c' (chemical symbol) and 'c' is located in the answer.
'numbers' could be 'ms' (M is an example) and 'ms' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crimson that I've seen before include "Ruddy" , "Rich deep red" , "Bright red" , "Blush" , "Deep red colour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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