Crossword Genius

Backing son over father, like a snake (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apodal

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'like a snake' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'backing son over father' is the wordplay.
'backing' says the letters should be written backwards.
'son' becomes 'lad' (lad can mean a boy or son).
'over' becomes 'o' (cricket abbreviation).
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'lad'+'o'+'pa'='ladopa'
'ladopa' in reverse letter order is 'APODAL'.

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I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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