Crossword Genius

Shaded and retiring when skin-blemish is included (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

swarthy

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

'shaded' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'retiring when skin-blemish is included' is the wordplay.
'retiring when' becomes 'shy' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'when' bit.).
'skin blemish' becomes 'wart' (I've seen this before).
'is included' indicates putting letters inside.
'shy' enclosing 'wart' is 'SWARTHY'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for swarthy that I've seen before include "Dark complexioned" , "Dark-skinned" , "Having a dark complexion" , "Dark skin" , "Dark-complexioned" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.