Outdo mate, upshot uncertain (3,2,5)
I believe the answer is:
put to shame
'outdo' is the definition.
'mate upshot uncertain' is the wordplay.
'uncertain' indicates anagramming the letters.
'mate'+'upshot'='mateupshot'
'mateupshot' with letters rearranged gives 'PUT TO SHAME'.
(Other definitions for put to shame that I've seen before include "Disgrace" , "Humiliate" .)
I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app