Protects a witness, in a way (9)

“Protects a witness, in a way” – Cracking a Crossword Clue

Ah, the classic crossword clue – a seemingly innocuous phrase that sends solvers spiraling down a rabbit hole of wordplay and deduction. Today’s target is a particularly intriguing one: “Protects a witness, in a way”.

This clue is a prime example of the double-meaning game that crossword constructors love to play. It’s not just a straightforward definition, but a clever way to hint at a more figurative sense of protection. To crack this clue, we need to think outside the box and consider the many ways someone or something might “protect” a witness.

Let’s start by dissecting the clue. “Protects a witness” implies a physical or metaphorical safeguard. “In a way” signals a more abstract, indirect form of protection. This might involve shielding the witness from harm, manipulating their testimony, or even erasing their memory entirely.

With these possibilities in mind, we can begin our wordplay journey. The clue hints at a nine-letter answer, which limits our options considerably. We need to find a word that encompasses both the literal and figurative aspects of “protects a witness”.

Is it a noun, a verb, or something else entirely? Do any specific professions come to mind? Perhaps the answer lies in a legal term or even a scientific concept.

The journey to the answer is part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to try out different angles, and remember that sometimes the most unexpected word is the right one. Happy solving!

Available Answers:

SPECTATOR.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 19 June 2024