Crossword Genius

Decrepit canon takes a tumble, being this? (8-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

accident-prone

'this?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'decrepit canon takes a tumble' is the wordplay.
'takes a tumble' indicates anagramming the letters.
'decrepit'+'canon'='decrepitcanon'
'decrepitcanon' is an anagram of 'ACCIDENT-PRONE'.

'being' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for accident-prone that I've seen before include "Involved in unusually frequent mishaps" , "Clumsy" , "Susceptible to mishap" , "Unusually susceptible to mishaps" , "Liable to have mishaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app