Grip across awkward situation (8)
I believe the answer is:
transfix
'grip' is the definition.
(I know that grip can be written as transfix)
'across awkward situation' is the wordplay.
'across' becomes 'trans' (prefix meaning across or over).
'awkward situation' becomes 'fix' (I've seen this in another clue).
'trans'+'fix'='TRANSFIX'
(Other definitions for transfix that I've seen before include "Impale - mesmerise" , "Entrance" , "Pierce with a sharp point" , "To skewer" , "Render motionless" .)