Crossword Genius

Drive going backwards so landing in rough (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crusade

'drive' is the definition.
('crusade' can be a synonym of 'drive')

'going backwards so landing in rough' is the wordplay.
'going backwards' says the letters should be written backwards.
'so' becomes 'as' (I've seen this in other clues).
'landing in' is an insertion indicator.
'rough' becomes 'crude' ('crude' can be similar in meaning to 'rough'**).
'as' backwards is 'sa'.
'sa' put within 'crude' is 'CRUSADE'.

(Other definitions for crusade that I've seen before include "Used car involved in campaign for a cause" , "Action by Christians to recapture the Holy Land" , "Drive" , "Advertising campaign" , "Vigorous campaign" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.