a pretty pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pretty pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation, often implying that things have gone awry. Example: "After the scandal, the company found itself in a pretty pass, struggling to regain its reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A pretty pass.

The New Yorker

He even made a pretty pass, for his lone assist in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

And Ewing, after all these years, still hasn't made a pretty pass, or it escaped me.

The New York Times - Sports

By Robert Benchley The New Yorker, October 1, 1927 P. 14 A pretty pass.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 1, 1927 P. 14 A pretty pass.

The New Yorker

Mark Sanchez reared back and lofted a pretty pass downfield that landed in Jerricho Cotchery's hands for a touchdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

With 3 03 left in the period, forward Tom Wilson finished a pretty passing play, tapping in a feed from captain Alex Ovechkin.

The Washington Post

Obviously I don't obviously have any information as yet". David O'Leary has always played a pretty passing 4-42.

The Guardian - Sport

The Oilers tied it on a pretty passing play after the rookie Jason Chimera, subbing for the injured forward Radek Dvorak, raced down the wing and passed to a charging Mike York.

The New York Times - Sports

But when even the Daily Mail is judging the Lords "a dump full of dregs and drongos", you have to think things have come to a not very pretty pass.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still not pretty Pass Size matters A-a-atchoo!

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pretty pass" to add a touch of British idiom to your writing, particularly when describing a situation that has unexpectedly deteriorated.

Common error

Avoid using "a pretty pass" to describe genuinely positive situations. It carries a negative connotation and implies things have taken an unfortunate turn.

Linguistic Context

"A pretty pass" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a comment on a situation that has declined or become problematic. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A pretty pass" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. While the phrase isn't particularly common in modern usage, as it's categorized as rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to consider its negative connotation, indicating that matters have taken a turn for the worse. Alternatives like "a difficult situation" or "a sorry state of affairs" can offer similar meanings in a less idiomatic way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sorry state of affairs

Underscores the regrettable and undesirable nature of the situation.

a difficult situation

Focuses on the challenging nature of the circumstances, omitting the idiomatic tone.

a tight spot

Indicates a situation where one is under pressure or faces difficulties.

a fine mess

Emphasizes the disarray and potential for trouble in a more informal way.

a jam

Implies being stuck in a challenging or inconvenient situation.

an awkward predicament

Highlights the uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing nature of the situation.

a dire straits

Highlights the extreme severity and urgency of the situation.

a pickle

Suggests a troublesome situation that is often humorous or minor.

a quandary

Suggests a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

a crisis

Denotes a critical situation that demands immediate attention.

FAQs

What does the expression "a pretty pass" mean?

The expression "a pretty pass" is an idiom that means a difficult or unfortunate situation. It often implies that things have taken an unexpected and undesirable turn.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a pretty pass"?

Use "a pretty pass" when you want to describe a situation that has deteriorated or become problematic. It's suitable when things have gone awry, and you want to express mild disapproval or concern.

What are some alternative ways to express the same idea as "a pretty pass"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult situation", "a sorry state of affairs", or "a fine mess" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a pretty pass" formal or informal language?

"A pretty pass" is generally considered to be somewhat informal, though it can appear in more neutral contexts as well. It's best suited for situations where a slightly understated or ironic tone is appropriate.