The term SPY, AT TIMES can be broken down into three crossword solutions: ENCODER (7 letters), TAIL (4 letters), and TAPER (5 letters). An encoder is someone who translates information into a code or cipher, which is often used to keep secrets. A TAIL is someone who follows or tracks another person, usually for surveillance purposes. A TAPER is someone who gradually reduces something, such as the amount of money spent on a project. All three of these terms are associated with the job of a spy, who is someone who collects confidential information without being detected.