The crossword clue "behind in a way" can have several answers depending on the number of letters:
- 5 letters: OWING
- 6 letters: ASTERN or LOSING
- 7 letters: TAILING
The shortest common answers are OWING (implying being behind in debt) and ASTERN (a nautical term meaning behind). LOSING is also a frequent answer for a 6-letter version of the clue, meaning to be behind in a contest or race. TAILING may also fit for 7 letters, meaning following behind.
