Crossword Genius

Runs slip away causing setback (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

relapse

'setback' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'runs slip away' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'slip away' becomes 'elapse' ('elapse' can be a synonym of 'slip away').
'r'+'elapse'='RELAPSE'

'causing' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for relapse that I've seen before include "fall into sin" , "Decline" , "Return to sickness" , "Unexpected deterioration" , "Fall back like leapers" .)

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