Tricky situation

SPOT

"Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue: "It might be tight when things get difficult." This hint subtly references the phrase "in a tight spot" without directly repeating the clue or giving away the answer. It nudges the solver toward the idiomatic meaning of "spot" while keeping the challenge intact."

The clue "Tricky situation" leads to the answer "SPOT" through a clever play on words. "Spot" can mean a difficult or awkward situation, as in the phrase "in a spot" (e.g., "He found himself in a tight spot"). Additionally, "spot" can refer to a small mark or location, but in this context, the idiomatic meaning fits the clue best.