When embarrassment becomes evident, initially? (2,5,5)

I believe the answer is:

at first blush

I believe this is a double definition.

'when embarrassment becomes evident' is the first definition.
(someone may blush when embarrassed)

'initially?' is the second definition.
(phrase meaning as things appear initially)

(Another definition for at first blush that I've seen is " As a first impression".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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