backslide crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "backslide crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "backslide crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LAPSE: To revert to an earlier state or behavior, often a less desirable one; a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.
6 Letters
RECEDE: To move back or further away from a previous position; to gradually diminish.
7 Letters
REGRESS: To return to a former or less developed state; to move backward.
DECLINE: To politely refuse or to decrease in quality, quantity, or importance; similar to backsliding in the sense of worsening or failing.
More About "backslide crossword"
"Backslide" in a crossword clue context typically refers to the act of reverting to an earlier, often worse, condition or habit. It implies a regression, a falling back from progress, or a lapse in good behavior or performance. Crossword setters love this word because it has several strong synonyms that fit various letter counts, making it versatile for puzzles.
The term can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it might refer to a physical movement backward, though this is less common in crosswords than its metaphorical usage. Figuratively, and more frequently, it denotes a moral, spiritual, or intellectual decline. When encountering this clue, think about words that mean to go backward, to worsen, or to fail to maintain a standard.
Common themes for "backslide" answers include words associated with failure, return, or deterioration. Being familiar with these synonyms will significantly boost your success rate with such clues. Consider the context of the puzzle – is it a cryptic crossword, a quick crossword, or themed? The style often guides the type of synonym required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Synonyms: Don't just stick to the first synonym that comes to mind. "Backslide" has many nuances (lapse, regress, revert, decline, relapse).
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter your potential answers by the required length immediately.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, solving an intersecting clue will reveal a letter or two for your "backslide" answer, confirming a guess or eliminating others.
- Think About Context: Is the puzzle focused on psychology, religion, or general vocabulary? This can sometimes narrow down the most fitting synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "backslide" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "backslide" typically refers to a word meaning to regress, revert to old habits, or experience a decline, either morally, physically, or in performance. Common answers are often synonyms like LAPSE, REGRESS, or RECEDE.
How can I find synonyms for "backslide" to help solve my crossword?
To find synonyms for "backslide," try using a good thesaurus, an online synonym dictionary, or a dedicated crossword solver website. Consider the specific context of the clue, as "backslide" can have nuances depending on the puzzle's theme or cryptic nature. Also, look for the required letter count.
Are there common traps when solving clues like "backslide"?
Yes, common traps include considering only the literal meaning. "Backslide" could also imply a decline (e.g., DECLINE) or a relapse (e.g., RELAPSE). Always consider different parts of speech, and if it's a cryptic clue, look for wordplay or hidden definitions. The number of letters is also a crucial hint.