a clear cut solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear cut solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a straightforward and unambiguous answer to a problem or issue. Example: "After reviewing all the options, we finally found a clear cut solution to the ongoing dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, golf commentator Maureen Madill told BBC Radio Ulster that it was not a clear cut solution as during his earlier career, McIlroy had represented both countries.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the end of the day, real-world problems tend to lack a clear-cut solution.

Harvard Business Review

"I don't think there is a clear-cut solution for the Israeli-Arab conflict in this generation".

The New Yorker

"I do not have a clear-cut solution," he concedes, before reverting to the old argument that "Jordan is Palestine".

The Economist

No matter how clear things might become in the forest of story, there was never a clear-cut solution, as there was in math.

The New Yorker

When eco-friendly concerns become fractured and some fight for access to healthy food while others protest a vital access to clean water, it's hard to identify a clear-cut solution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When legal counseling gets involved, the situation is already entrenched, relationships are damaged, interests and egos are salient, the business sides demand a clear-cut solution, and the legal department/counseling is challenged to prove its expertise and value as a last resort savior able to get the best out of an intricate situation gone wild.

Harvard University

At bottom, the Massachusetts plan and others like it is more of a nudge than a clear-cut solution.

Forbes

A clear-cut solution at the physical layer would be the maximization of the bit rate in conjunction with the minimization of the transmission errors.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Real-world problems tend to be ill-defined, and lack a clear-cut solution: e.g., should I sign this deal; is this person the right talent for tomorrow, should I change careers?

Forbes

"This hiring philosophy is still a part of Apple's DNA, which is to say that simply adding more bodies onto the iOS and OS X software teams isn't necessarily a clear-cut solution". Based on the sales of both iPhones and Mac hardware, there is no problem at the moment.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear cut solution" when you want to emphasize that the answer or resolution to a problem is straightforward, unambiguous and leaves no room for misinterpretation. It's best suited for situations where simplicity and directness are key.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear cut solution" when dealing with intricate or multifaceted problems where multiple factors are at play. In such cases, it might oversimplify the situation and ignore nuances that require a more sophisticated approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear cut solution" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object or complement in a sentence. It denotes a straightforward and unambiguous resolution to a problem. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to describe resolutions that are easy to understand and implement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear cut solution" is a noun phrase denoting a straightforward and unambiguous resolution. While Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is versatile enough for both professional and informal contexts, though it should be avoided when describing complex problems. It's often found in news, academic, and scientific domains to convey a sense of directness and simplicity in problem-solving. Alternative expressions include “a straightforward answer” and “an obvious remedy”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cut-and-dried solution

Similar in meaning, emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the solution.

a straightforward answer

Emphasizes the directness and simplicity of the solution.

a simple resolution

Highlights the ease and uncomplicated nature of the solution.

an obvious remedy

Suggests the solution is easily apparent and readily available.

a decisive action

Focuses on the conclusive and impactful nature of the solution.

an unambiguous fix

Stresses the lack of uncertainty or confusion in the solution.

a definitive answer

Highlights the finality and authoritativeness of the solution.

a plain solution

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of complexity in the solution.

a direct approach

Focuses on the solution being immediate and without detours.

an easy way out

Suggests the solution provides a quick and effortless resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear cut solution" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear cut solution" to describe a straightforward and easily understandable resolution to a problem. For example: "After careful consideration, the team arrived at "a clear cut solution" that addressed all the key issues".

What are some alternatives to "a clear cut solution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a straightforward answer", "a simple resolution", or "an obvious remedy".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a clear cut solution"?

It's appropriate when the resolution is unambiguous and requires little to no further explanation. It is most useful when you need to emphasize the simplicity and directness of the fix.

What's the difference between "a clear cut solution" and "a possible solution"?

"A clear cut solution" implies a definitive and obvious answer, while "a possible solution" suggests there are multiple potential answers, and further evaluation might be required to know if this solution is the right one.