Stew at ball leads to awkward problem (3,6)

I believe the answer is:

hot potato

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'awkward problem' is the definition.
'hot potato' can be an answer for 'problem' (hot potato can mean a controversial issue). I am unsure of the 'awkward' bit.

'stew at ball' is the wordplay.
'stew' becomes 'hotpot' (I've seen this before).
'ball' becomes 'o' (letter resembling a ball).
'hotpot'+'at'+'o'='HOT POTATO'

'leads to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hot potato that I've seen before include "controversial question" , "Troublesome situation of sultry spud" , "Tricky situation - baked spud" , "troublesome affair" , "Awkward matter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.

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