backsliding crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all possible solutions for "backsliding crossword," complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your puzzle-solving skills. Whether you need quick help or want to deepen your crossword knowledge, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "backsliding crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LAPSE: A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment; often used in a sense of a decline or a fall from a previous state or standard.
7 Letters
DECLINE: A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality, often implying a descent or deterioration.
RELAPSE: A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement, or a return to a previous habit, often a negative one.
8 Letters
APOSTASY: The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief, principle, or cause, indicating a profound form of backsliding in faith or loyalty.
10 Letters
RECIDIVISM: The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend, literally 'falling back' into criminal behavior after release or punishment.
More About "backsliding crossword"
The term "backsliding" in crosswords often points to a concept of regression, a return to a less desirable state, or a failure to maintain progress. It can apply to various contexts, from personal habits to societal trends or even religious adherence. Crossword setters love to use such multifaceted words because they allow for a wide range of synonyms and subtle interpretations, challenging solvers to think broadly.
Understanding the nuances of "backsliding" is key to finding the correct answer. Is the clue hinting at a general decline (like DECLINE), a specific return to an old habit (like RELAPSE), or a more profound abandonment of principles (like APOSTASY)? The surrounding clues and the number of letters will usually guide you to the precise solution. Always consider the primary meaning of "moving backward or downward" in relation to the clue's context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the overall theme of the puzzle or other solved clues. Sometimes, a seemingly unrelated clue can provide a hint about the tone or subject matter expected.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Double-check the number of letters provided in the grid. Even a single letter off can lead you down the wrong path. Our categorized answers by length help prevent this.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword setters frequently use synonyms, antonyms (with indicators like "opposite of"), homophones, and puns. For "backsliding," think of words that mean regression, decline, or a return to a former (worse) state.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, a single word clue might lead to a multi-word answer, or vice versa, if the clue hints at a common idiom or phrasal verb. While "backsliding" is usually a single word, its essence can be captured by phrases.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'backsliding' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'backsliding' typically refers to a return to a worse or less desirable state, a regression, or a falling back from progress. It can imply a decline, a relapse, or even an apostasy (abandonment of beliefs).
Are there common synonyms for 'backsliding' often used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms frequently found in crosswords include LAPSE, DECLINE, RELAPSE, REGRESS, DETERIORATION, APOSTASY, or even phrases implying a step backward or a fall from grace.
How can I identify a 'backsliding' clue?
Look for words or phrases that suggest reversal, regression, a negative return, a weakening, or a giving up of former principles. The clue might use terms like 'reverting,' 'falling away,' 'slipping,' or 'losing ground.'