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Like you, Malone, I needed to make use of the unchecked/ mutually checked letters. I found this an unusually challenging and rewarding puzzle.

Regarding the unclued entries - where there are 2 unchecked cells, and 2 possible letters, is there any pattern as to which goes where? I may be missing something in the entry method.

Alphabetical order

Ah! Thanks, Buddy.

I found this both fun and a challenge. I led myself astray to begin with by using another possibility at 40 across but corrected that by using the CRIPPLING etc letters.

Hints now being accepted for 40a. Thanks, it just won’t give up its secrets. 🤔

The usual expression is 7, 5 - the 5 being the word which links all the thematic entries - and is asscociated with the farmyard, -ing has been removed.

In that case I’ve gone wrong in another unclued, explains a lot! thanks!

I’ve re-done the CRIPPLING thing and I’m now left with much better letters than before, so hopefully the end is in sight ha!

Frustrating because I am having trouble with 40ac. I have

AC?I?LO

Any hint on what this might be, or have I got any of the entries wrong?

Thanks anyway.

GB