Every seasoned solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising through your daily crossword, filling in answers with satisfying precision, and then you hit a wall. A particularly devious crossword clue appears, demanding a very specific, often multi-word, answer that just doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Today, we’re diving deep into just such a challenge: “Question (a witness) (5-7).”
This particular crossword clue stands out because it perfectly encapsulates the precision often required in complex crossword puzzles. It isn’t asking for just
any
kind of questioning. The parenthetical “a witness” is your golden ticket, immediately narrowing the scope from general inquiry to a very specific, formal context. We’re pulled straight into the legal arena, where the act of questioning isn’t just a chat, but a structured process with rules, roles, and a distinct purpose.
Think about the environment this clue evokes: a courtroom, perhaps a deposition, where legal professionals meticulously extract information. The term required here isn’t merely “ask” or “interrogate,” which might fit other crossword clues, but a precise phrase used to describe the official procedure of putting questions to someone who is providing testimony. The (5-7) format further refines your search, telling you this isn’t a single-word answer, but a two-word phrase, with the first word having five letters and the second seven.
For many a crossword enthusiast, stumbling upon a specific legal or technical term framed as a daily crossword clue can be a stumbling block. It requires shifting your mental gears from everyday language to the jargon of a particular profession. The beauty of such a tricky crossword clue lies in its ability to test not just vocabulary, but contextual understanding. What specific action, performed by a lawyer, prosecutor, or defense attorney, precisely fits the description of “questioning a witness” and also matches the specified letter counts?
Consider the nuance. Is it about merely asking questions? Or is it about a more formal, structured process aimed at establishing facts, challenging testimony, or seeking clarification under oath? The answer to this crossword clue captures that formal, procedural aspect beautifully. It’s a phrase that conjures images of lawyers on their feet, carefully crafting questions to elicit specific responses from a person giving evidence.
When tackling a crossword clue like this, always pay close attention to the context provided. “A witness” is not incidental; it is paramount. Without it, the clue could be interpreted in countless ways, leading you down rabbit holes of “query,” “probe,” or “interview.” But with “a witness,” the scope becomes sharply focused on the language of the law. The common phrase you’re looking for perfectly describes this specific action, fitting the 5-letter, then 7-letter structure.
Many who enjoy the intellectual challenge of a crossword puzzle often find these context-specific phrases the most rewarding to unravel. They bridge the gap between common parlance and specialized terminology, enriching our vocabulary and understanding. So, as you ponder this particular crossword clue, cast your mind into the legal chamber, visualize the proceedings, and let the structure (5-7) guide your search for that precise, fitting term.
It’s a testament to good crossword clue design when a seemingly simple phrase (“Question a witness”) demands such a specific and often elusive answer. It’s clues like these that make the daily crossword a truly engaging mental workout, pushing us to think outside the box and delve into the precise meanings of words and phrases. Unlocking the solution to a well-crafted crossword clue, especially one demanding such specific knowledge, is immensely satisfying.
Available Answers:
CROSSEXAMINE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 11 November 2025