Crossword Genius

Modest, when caught out in a rush (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

haste

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

'a rush' is the definition.
(I know that rush can be written as haste)

'modest when caught out' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'hast' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for haste that I've seen before include "More of this proverbially slows you down" , "Leader abandons modest" , "Hurriedness" , "Overly eager speed" , "Expedition" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.