Crossword Genius

Moved cautiously and led on, scratching head (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eased

'moved cautiously' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'led on scratching head' is the wordplay.
'led on' becomes 'teased' (to lead someone on is to tease them).
'scratching head' means to remove the first letter (the word's head is removed).
'teased' with its first letter removed is 'EASED'.

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for eased that I've seen before include "Soothed - assuaged" , "became less tight" , "Abated" , "Given relief" , "Made less difficult or trying" .)

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