Taking a tumble is an expression used to describe a situation in which someone falls or trips. It can also be used to describe a situation in which someone experiences a sudden and dramatic decline in fortune. The crossword solution for this term is 'ACROBATIC, ' which refers to the physical skill of performing feats of balance, agility, and coordination. Acrobats are often seen performing dangerous stunts and flips, which could be seen as taking a tumble.