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Serious lapses by borderline characters in Simpsons (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sins

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

'serious lapses' is the definition.
'sins' can be an answer for 'lapses' (I have seen 'Moral lapses ' mean 'sins' so perhaps 'lapses' could also mean 'sins'). I am not sure about the 'serious' bit.

'borderline characters in simpsons' is the wordplay.
'SINS' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sins that I've seen before include "Moral lapses" , "Transgresses" , "Serious offences" , "Evils" , "Wrongdoings" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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