backslide crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! Struggling with the "backslide crossword clue"? You've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "backslide crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLIP: To accidentally slide or lose one's footing, often used metaphorically for a minor mistake or a return to bad habits.
5 Letters
LAPSE: A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment; a decline from a previous standard.
6 Letters
RECEDE: To go or move back or further away from a previous position.
REVERT: To return to a former or less developed state.
7 Letters
RELAPSE: A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement; a return to a former bad habit.
REGRESS: To return to a former or less developed state.
DEVOLVE: To pass into a lower or worse state.
More About "backslide crossword clue"
"Backslide" is a versatile term often used in crosswords because it can refer to a decline in various aspects – physical, moral, or professional. Literally, it means to slide backward, but figuratively, it denotes a return to a worse condition, a deterioration, or a lapse into old, undesirable habits or beliefs after a period of improvement.
In the context of health, a "backslide" might mean a relapse into an illness or addiction. In personal development, it could imply a return to unproductive behaviors. For crossword setters, "backslide" offers a rich semantic field, allowing for clues that might point to terms like 'revert', 'regress', 'lapse', or 'relapse', depending on the nuanced meaning required by the puzzle's theme and letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: Think about words that mean "to go backward," "to decline," or "to revert." Common synonyms like 'lapse', 'relapse', 'recede', 'regress', and 'slip' are frequently used.
- Check letter count: The number of letters in the answer is your most crucial hint. It helps narrow down the possibilities significantly.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes the full clue or surrounding clues might hint at whether the "backslide" is medical, moral, or general.
- Think prefixes: Words starting with "re-" often indicate a return or repetition (e.g., REVERT, REGRESS, RELAPSE).
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 return to a worse condition, a decline, or a lapse into previous (often undesirable) habits or states. It can point to synonyms like relapse, regress, revert, or lapse.
Are there common synonyms for "backslide" used in crosswords?
Yes, very common synonyms include RELAPSE, REGRESS, REVERT, LAPSE, RECEDE, and SLIP. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and the nuanced meaning of the clue.
How does letter count help in solving "backslide" clues?
The letter count is crucial. If the clue implies "backslide" and the answer is 7 letters, you might consider RELAPSE or REGRESS. If it's 5 letters, LAPSE is a strong candidate. Always use the given letter count to filter potential solutions.