Serious lapses by borderline characters in Simpsons (4)
I believe the answer is:
sins
'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" .)