Crossword Genius

The setter's visibly embarrassed to admit papa, behold, was begging (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implored

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'was begging' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'the setter's visibly embarrassed to admit papa behold' is the wordplay.
'the setter's' becomes 'im' (referring to the person who set the crossword).
'visibly embarrassed' becomes 'red' (someone may blush or go red when embarrassed).
'to admit' is an insertion indicator.
'papa' becomes 'P' (NATO / phonetic alphabet).
'behold' becomes 'lo' (archaic exclamation meaning 'look!').
'im'+'red'='imred'
'p'+'lo'='plo'
'imred' going around 'plo' is 'IMPLORED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for implored that I've seen before include "Begged earnestly" , "Entreated, begged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.