The term 'AFTER THE DEADLINE' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: LATE (4 letters), TARDY (5 letters), BILE (4 letters), and TARDILY (7 letters). LATE is an adjective meaning to occur or arrive after the expected or usual time. TARDY is an adjective meaning slow in doing something or LATE in arriving. BILE is a noun referring to a bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver that aids in digestion. TARDILY is an adverb meaning in a slow or LATE manner. TOOLATE is an adverb meaning too LATE.