Lawyer, say, could have large pet, 'Lex' (5,6) Crossword Clue
Answer: LEGAL EXPERT (11 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Lawyer, say, could have large pet, 'Lex' (5,6)" with 11 letters is "LEGAL EXPERT". A legal expert is a professional, such as a lawyer, who possesses specialized knowledge and expertise in law. This term is commonly used to describe someone highly skilled in legal matters, capable of offering advice, representation, or insight into legal issues.
Why “Legal Expert” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (5,6) that cryptically defines a lawyer and includes elements “large pet” and “Lex.” The answer, LEGAL EXPERT, fits precisely:
- Lawyer, say: "Legal expert" is a broad term for anyone with advanced knowledge of the law, including lawyers, judges, and legal scholars.
- Cryptic clue breakdown: "Large" gives "L," "pet" gives "EG" (common crossword abbreviation for "example"), and "Lex" is Latin for "law." Assembled, they spell out "LEGAL EXPERT"—"Legal" from "L (large) + eg (pet/example) + a + l," and "Expert" from "Lex" (law) and "pert" (sharp/skilled).
This thoughtful construction and dual definition make "legal expert" an elegant answer for the clue.
"Legal expert" is a formal term used across law and justice:
- Origin and usage: The phrase encompasses professionals trained in interpreting, applying, and teaching law, whether as advocates, jurists, or consultants.
- Application: "She is a distinguished legal expert in environmental law." "They sought legal expert advice before signing the contract."
- Variants: While “lawyer” refers specifically to someone representing clients, “legal expert” is a broader category, also including barristers, solicitors, judges, and legal academics.
"Legal expert" bridges the clue’s requirements for profession, wordplay, and knowledge.
In quick and cryptic crosswords, clues like “Lawyer, say, could have large pet, 'Lex' (5,6)”:
- Use wordplay to disguise familiar titles—“legal expert,” “court judge,” “case worker.”
- The answer length (5,6) fits "legal expert," matching the breakdown suggested by the clue.
- Look for professional titles assembled from abbreviations and synonyms, especially in cryptic clue constructions.
Spotting the professional focus and layered wordplay leads efficiently to “legal expert.”
