Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

OK- I have the grid almost complete apart from the "unclueds". I think I can see where the "country" element of the theme comes in , but not the "cross".

So, for the "unclueds" I have the following:

12A (country) + *AN*

44A *YP + (country)

9D (country) + A*

11D (country) + K*R*

14D (country) + MAN*

18D (country) + OTH*

19D *O* + (country).

Googling the extraneous words/letters- for instance, 19D and 44A could be slang terms for defrauding someone and hence "cross". Alternatively, at 18D the extraneous word/letters leads me to a pope who sanctioned one of the crusades (hence "cross"). The trouble is I can't reconcile either train of thought with the remaining "unclueds". Aaaarrrggghhh!

Any hints (not specific answers) gratefully received.

each unclued has two country names that share some letters in common

Got it!

Thanks...

I think I've finished but I'm just a little unsettled that, among the unclueds, 12a and 9d seem to include the same country under 2 different names. Can anyone confirm that this is the case and I'm not wrong?

I have that too Will.

Thanks, Unclued. That puts my mind at rest!

I wonder if there will be a special crossword to mark number 2500?

Sometimes attention is given to the puzzle number. In February last year puzzle 2442, by Pabulum, was called "Don't nod" and the unclueds were all palindromes.

I have been trying number 2000 which consisted of five smaller grids linked together. Brilliant construction.

I remember that one Unclued. It was great fund. I expect and hope for a 'special' for 2500. As far as this one is concerned I agree about the two names for the same country. Also one of the other country names is no longer used.