The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word REVERSES
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Backs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case backs = reverses.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REVERSES mean?
REVERSES noun- The opposite of something.
- The act of going backwards; a reversal.
- A piece of misfortune; a setback.
- The tails side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that is opposite the obverse.
- The side of something facing away from a viewer, or from what is considered the front; the other side.
- The gear setting of an automobile that makes it travel backwards.
- A thrust in fencing made with a backward turn of the hand; a backhanded stroke.
- A turn or fold made in bandaging, by which the direction of the bandage is changed.
- To turn something around so that it faces the opposite direction or runs in the opposite sequence.
- To turn something inside out or upside down.
- To transpose the positions of two things.
- To change totally; to alter to the opposite.
- To return, come back.
- To turn away; to cause to depart.
- To cause to return; to recall.
- To revoke a law, or to change a decision into its opposite.
- To cause a mechanism or a vehicle to operate or move in the opposite direction to normal.
- To change the direction of a reaction such that the products become the reactants and vice-versa.
- To place a set of points in the reverse position
- (of points) to move from the normal position to the reverse position
- To overthrow; to subvert.