Take a turn for the worse is an idiom that means to experience a sudden and unexpected decline in health, fortune, or quality. The crossword solutions for this term are RELAPSE (7 letters), SPOIL (5 letters), and GOSOUTH (7 letters). RELAPSE implies a return to a previous state, such as a medical condition or addiction. SPOIL suggests something has been ruined or destroyed. GOSOUTH implies a downward spiral or decline. Together, these words suggest a sudden and unexpected decline in health, fortune, or quality.