The fence is looking frightened (6)

I believe the answer is:

paling

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'the fence' is the definition.
(paling is a kind of fence)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for paling that I've seen before include "Fence post - turning white" , "is becoming whiter" , "Fence made of stakes" , "Barrier of stakes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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