Question 1

What does the cryptic crossword clue "Vlad crosswords reportedly finish off country (4)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The definition part of the clue is "country". The wordplay technique is a deletion. The answer is IRAN. Explanation: The best I can suggest is I RAN[t] (‘Vlad crosswords reportedly’, with ‘crosswords’ fancifully as use cross words) minus the last letter (‘finish off’).

Question 2

What is the answer to "Vlad crosswords reportedly finish off country (4)"?

Accepted Answer

The answer is IRAN.

Question 3

What type of wordplay is used in "Vlad crosswords reportedly finish off country (4)"?

Accepted Answer

This clue uses a deletion as its wordplay technique.