Crossword Genius

Without rumpy-pumpy, romancing is possibly a brief activity? (5-9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cross-examining

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'without rumpy-pumpy romancing is possibly a brief activity?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'without rumpy-pumpy romancing is possibly a brief activity?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'without' could be 'ex' (Latin) and 'ex' is found within the answer.
'a' is present in the answer.
'brief' could be 'mini' (synonyms) and 'mini' is found in the answer.
'activity?' could be 'cross' (cross is a kind of activity) and 'cross' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app