Was shifty and naturally guarded (6)
I believe the answer is:
hedged
'guarded' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hedged that I've seen before include "Avoided making a decision or giving a clear answer" , "being naturally guarded" , "Avoided giving direct answer, being bounded" , "Acted evasively" , "Avoided giving direct answer, being fenced?" .)