Crossword Genius

Sluggish swim, rubbish doing the backstroke? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

torpid

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

'swim rubbish doing the backstroke?' is the wordplay.
'swim' becomes 'dip' (dip is a kind of swim).
'rubbish' becomes 'rot' (I've seen this before).
'doing the backstroke?' says the letters should be written backwards.
'dip'+'rot'='diprot'
'diprot' reversed gives 'TORPID'.

(Other definitions for torpid that I've seen before include "hibernating?" , "Sluggish, dormant" , "Lethargic - drop it (anag)" , "Slow, dull" , "Physically inactive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.