Crossword Genius

Aussie crook on prairies makes easy progress (5,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plain sailing

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'easy progress' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'aussie crook on prairies' is the wordplay.
'aussie crook' becomes 'ailing' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'prairies' becomes 'plains' (I've seen this before).
'ailing' after 'plains' is 'PLAIN-SAILING'.

'makes' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plain sailing that I've seen before include "No problem (for yachtsman?)" , "Problem-free progress" , "progress made in prairie schooner?" , "Progress without obstruction" , "Trouble-free progress" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.