ask leading questions crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "ask leading questions" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions across all possible word lengths, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "ask leading questions crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PUMP: To try to obtain information from someone by persistent and sometimes leading questioning.
5 Letters
PROBE: To inquire into or examine thoroughly, often by asking pointed or leading questions.
GRILL: To subject someone to intense questioning, often with an implication of trying to elicit specific, perhaps damaging, information, characteristic of leading questions.
11 Letters
INTERROGATE: To ask questions of (someone), especially a suspect or a prisoner, closely, aggressively, or formally, a process that can involve leading questions to guide the response.
More About "ask leading questions crossword"
The phrase "ask leading questions" in a crossword clue points to a specific type of questioning technique. Unlike open-ended questions designed to gather broad information, leading questions are framed to elicit a particular answer or guide the respondent towards a desired conclusion. This often involves suggesting the answer within the question itself, making it a common tactic in interrogations, legal settings, or even casual conversations where someone is trying to subtly influence another.
In crosswords, clues related to this concept typically refer to verbs that imply such an action: extracting information, probing deeply, or putting someone under pressure to disclose details. The solutions provided, like PUMP, PROBE, GRILL, and INTERROGATE, all capture this essence, each with its own nuance of intensity or method. Understanding these nuances helps solvers choose the best fit based on the given letter count and surrounding letters in the puzzle.
Mastering these types of clues involves not just knowing synonyms but appreciating the subtle differences in meaning. A clue might hint at a gentle persuasion (PUMP) or a more aggressive interrogation (GRILL), guiding you to the precise answer needed for your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "ask leading questions," consider the tone or implication. Is it gentle extraction (PUMP) or intense pressure (GRILL)? The precise shade of meaning often leads to the correct answer.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. It's your most reliable constraint and can immediately eliminate many possibilities, narrowing down your options to those that fit the grid.
- Look for Synonyms and Actions: Crossword setters love to use synonyms or verbs that describe an action rather than a direct object. Think about what "asking leading questions" *does* – it extracts, it probes, it grills.
- Consider Common Crossword Verbs: Familiarize yourself with verbs frequently used in crosswords to denote the act of questioning or information extraction. Many puzzles reuse certain concepts with slightly different phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "leading question" in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, a "leading question" clue often points to verbs or actions related to eliciting specific information, sometimes manipulatively, from another person. It's about how questions are framed to guide or influence a response.
Are there other common crossword clues similar to "ask leading questions"?
Yes, clues like "grill for info," "pump for details," "sound out," "pry," or "extract information" can all lead to similar answers, focusing on the act of intense or suggestive questioning.
How do I distinguish between similar answers like PUMP and PROBE?
The specific nuance in the clue or the context of other solved words in the puzzle can help. 'PUMP' often implies a more persistent, perhaps gradual extraction, while 'PROBE' suggests a thorough, investigative inquiry. 'GRILL' implies more aggressive, intense questioning, often with a hint of pressure.