a deep squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep squeeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense pressure applied to something, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "As she held the stress ball, she felt a deep squeeze that helped relieve her tension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She said: "Workers across the economy have experienced a deep squeeze in their pay packets since 2008.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take a deep breath, squeeze the red sphere to close the valve, and exhale into the bag.At that point, we began to capsize.

The Economist

A sliver of a building just 25 feet wide and 100 feet deep squeezed between shorter, nondescript structures, it has a facade of corrugated glass from the second floor to the top that gives the effect of a giant plastic lenticular lens.

The New York Times - Arts

He said this was largely down to a "deep and protracted squeeze" on many people's real incomes, as inflation outstrips pay rises and energy and food prices increase.

BBC

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the IFS report highlighted how public sector workers had suffered a "deep and long pay squeeze".

The Guardian

"I've seen better swings in a park!" Taking a deep, nervous breath, I squeeze the pink ball in my hand and bounce it once on the pavement, cocking my arms back and striding forward to enter my swing.

The New York Times - Arts

When insufficient blood reaches the heart, waste products accumulate in the heart muscle and irritate local nerve endings, causing a deep sensation of heaviness, squeezing, or burning that is most prominent behind or beneath the breastbone and over the heart and stomach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Welfare states built after World War II, and labor market regulation in many Western European countries, have cushioned workers and their families so far from the full force of the collapse of banks, the credit squeeze and a deep recession.

The New York Times

Add in decades of negative tabloid stories about what unelected 'Eurocrats' were doing, plus a deeper malaise about squeezed living standards in former industrial heartlands, and it's no surprise 17 million people voted to 'Leave' in the last referendum in 2016.

Huffington Post

If you squeeze the tea bag, water will come out with a deep coloring from the tea leaves.

WikiHow

Melt the red candy coating in a deep microwave safe plastic bowl following the package Instructions and pour into a large squeeze bottle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial hardship, consider using "a deep squeeze" to convey a prolonged and significant period of economic difficulty. This phrase effectively communicates the lasting impact of the situation.

Common error

While "a deep squeeze" is appropriate for formal or news-related discussions about economic hardship or physical pressure, avoid using it in casual conversation. Opt for more straightforward language in informal settings, like "a tight hug" or "under pressure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep squeeze" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes an intense or prolonged application of pressure, either physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a deep squeeze" is a versatile term used to describe both physical and metaphorical pressures. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While it's commonly used in news, wiki, and scientific domains, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings. When referring to economic hardship, this phrase effectively conveys a prolonged and significant period of financial difficulty. Remember to leverage alternative phrases like "intense compression" or "profound pressure" for variety. Overall, "a deep squeeze" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary, adding depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense compression

Focuses on the physical pressure applied, highlighting the compressive aspect.

profound pressure

Emphasizes the weight or burden, often in a metaphorical sense.

significant constriction

Highlights the narrowing or tightening effect, typically in a physical context.

firm embrace

Implies affection or support through a tight hold.

substantial financial strain

Refers specifically to economic hardship or difficulty.

considerable economic pressure

Highlights the financial impact or challenge.

severe budgetary constraints

Focuses on limitations and restrictions related to budget.

heavy burden

Implies a significant weight or difficulty to bear, metaphorically or literally.

tightening grip

Suggests increasing control or restriction.

marked scarcity

Focuses on the shortage or lack of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a deep squeeze" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep squeeze" to describe intense physical pressure, as in "She gave his hand "a deep squeeze"", or to depict prolonged economic hardship, such as "The country is experiencing "a deep squeeze" on its budget".

What are some alternatives to "a deep squeeze"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intense compression", "profound pressure", or "significant constriction" to describe physical pressure. For financial hardship, consider "substantial financial strain" or "severe budgetary constraints".

Is "a deep squeeze" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a deep squeeze" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing economic conditions or describing a significant physical pressure. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits the context.

What does "a deep squeeze" imply in an economic context?

In an economic context, "a deep squeeze" suggests a prolonged period of financial hardship or budgetary constraints that significantly impacts individuals, businesses, or the entire economy.