Crossword Genius

Colonel slipped then fell over (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

collapsed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fell over' is the definition.
'collapsed' can be an answer for 'fell' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'over' bit.

'colonel slipped' is the wordplay.
'colonel' becomes 'col'.
'slipped' becomes 'lapsed' (lapsing is a kind of slipping).
'col'+'lapsed'='COLLAPSED'

'then' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for collapsed that I've seen before include "Cracked up - gave way" , "laid low" , "Fell apart" , "Gave way, caved in" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app