Crossword Genius

The woman, with hesitation, becomes transparent (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sheer

'transparent' is the definition.
(I know that transparent can be written as sheer)

'the woman with hesitation' is the wordplay.
'the woman' becomes 'she' ('she' refers to a woman).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'hesitation' becomes 'er' (sound made while hesitating - um, er).
'she'+'er'='SHEER'

'becomes' is the link.

(Other definitions for sheer that I've seen before include "sudden change of direction" , "Absolutely - diaphanous" , "Mere" , "Very steep - may apply to 4" , "Very thin as in ladies' stockings" .)

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