Crossword Genius

Chaotic worsening situation in underwater system, everything beyond belief, ultimately (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

free fall

'chaotic worsening situation' is the definition.
(something in free fall is declining rapidly)

'underwater system everything beyond belief ultimately' is the wordplay.
'underwater system' becomes 'reef' (as in a coral reef).
'everything' becomes 'all' (all things).
'beyond' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'ultimately' indicates one should take the final letters.
The final letter of 'belief' is 'f'.
'reef'+'all'='reefall'
'reefall' after 'f' is 'FREE FALL'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for free fall that I've seen before include "Motion under gravity" , "Downward movement under the force of gravity" , "Uncontrolled descent" , "Unchecked descent" , "Descent without parachute" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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