examine (redirected from examining)

cross-examine someone

to question someone in court who has already been questioned by the opposing side; to question a suspect or a witness at great length. The lawyer plans to cross-examine the witness tomorrow morning. The police cross-examined the suspect for three hours.

examine someone or something for something

to inspect someone or something for the presence of something. I examined the child for signs of abuse. You had better examine this dog for ticks. Don't forget to examine yourself for ticks after you return from the hike.

examine someone in something

to give someone an examination in a particular subject or covering certain material. The committee examined her in her knowledge of history. I was examined in math.

examine someone on something

to give someone an examination covering certain material. I will have to examine you on this chapter myself. The teacher examined Larry on his understanding of phonetics.

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need your head examined/examining  (British, American & Australian humorous) also need your head testing (British humorous)

if you tell someone they need their head testing, you think that they are crazy because they have done something stupid or strange You need your head examined if you're willing to spend £120 on a pair of jeans.

See also: head, need

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need (to have) your head examined

you have done something that will make others think you stupid or strange Anyone who pays that much for a pair of jeans needs to have her head examined.

Usage notes: usually used as a humorous criticism

See also: head, need