Struggle to decide

AGONIZE

Think of the intense mental effort you might experience when facing a tough choice, often leading to prolonged worry or distress. It starts with the same sound as "ache.

Struggle to decide" hints at the mental effort of being torn between choices, which is exactly what "agonize" means—to suffer or wrestle with a difficult decision. The word itself carries a strong sense of inner turmoil, making it a perfect fit for the clue. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a straightforward definition where the answer directly mirrors the struggle described.