Crossword Genius

Pull back before beginning to fall into abyss (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gulf

'abyss' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'pull back before beginning to fall' is the wordplay.
'pull' becomes 'lug' (I've seen this before**).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'beginning to' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'fall' is 'f'.
'lug' in reverse letter order is 'gul'.
'gul'+'f'='GULF'

'into' is the link.

(Other definitions for gulf that I've seen before include "Unbridgeable disparity" , "Deep wide chasm" , "Deep inlet of sea; chasm" , "Large inlet of the sea" , "Wide separation" .)

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