The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word LAG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
A
G
More clues leading to the result LAG
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Fall behind" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fall behind = lag.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 LAG mean?
LAG noun- A gap, a delay; an interval created by something not keeping up; a latency.
- Delay; latency.
- One sentenced to transportation for a crime.
- A prisoner, a criminal.
- A method of deciding which player shall start. Both players simultaneously strike a cue ball from the baulk line to hit the top cushion and rebound down the table; the player whose ball finishes closest to the baulk cushion wins.
- One who lags; that which comes in last.
- The fag-end; the rump; hence, the lowest class.
- A stave of a cask, drum, etc.; especially one of the narrow boards or staves forming the covering of a cylindrical object, such as a boiler, or the cylinder of a carding machine or steam engine.
- A bird, the greylag.
- To fail to keep up (the pace), to fall behind
- To cover (for example, pipes) with felt strips or similar material (referring to a time lag effect in thermal transfer)
- To transport as a punishment for crime.
- To cause to lag; to slacken.
- Late
- Last; long-delayed.
- Last made; hence, made of refuse; inferior.