Crossword Genius

Go off about backsliding in-house worker? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

actor

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

'house worker?' is the definition.
'actor' can be an answer for 'worker?' (actor is a kind of worker). I am unsure of the 'house' bit.

'go off about backsliding' is the wordplay.
'go off' becomes 'rot' (as in food going off).
'about' becomes 'ca' (short for circa).
'backsliding' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'rot'+'ca'='rotca'
'rotca' back-to-front is 'ACTOR'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for actor that I've seen before include "eg Anthony Hopkins" , "One taking part" , "Luvvy" , "ham" , "Performer in drama" .)

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