Crossword Genius

One way to carry goods across India, unsuccessfully? (2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in vain

'unsuccessfully?' is the definition.
(something done in vain is unsuccessful or useless)

'one way to carry goods across india' is the wordplay.
'one way to carry goods' becomes 'in van' (goods may be transported in a van).
'across' is an insertion indicator.
'india' becomes 'i' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'invan' enclosing 'i' is 'IN VAIN'.

(Other definitions for in vain that I've seen before include "Unsuccessfully" , "Uselessly, without success" , "Uselessly, without any progress" , "useless" , "no benefit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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.