a rotten hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rotten hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or outcome that is unfavorable or undesirable, often in the context of being dealt a bad situation or opportunity. Example: "After losing the game, he felt like he had been dealt a rotten hand by fate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But within GM and the car industry generally, there is recognition of what a rotten hand Mr Wagoner had to play, and how close he came to achieving at least some of his goals.

The Economist

For seven years, at a recording studio in Forest Hills, Queens, a songwriter named John Beltzer has produced customized tunes for little children and teenagers whom life has truly dealt a rotten hand: a chronic or terminal illness.

The New York Times

It may be fairer to say that, dealt a rotten hand, Mr Wagoner tried to do many of the right things, but ran out of luck and time.The car-industry task-force appointed by Barack Obama to save GM and Chrysler quickly concluded that neither could be viable without the pressure of bankruptcy to force stakeholders to renounce most of their claims.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Are English students getting a rotten deal?

The Guardian

A former teacher, dental hygienist, Playboy bunny and "super liberal," Ms. Ginsberg said Mr. Obama had been "handed a rotten bunch of fruit".

The New York Times

Come to the theater prepared, with a handkerchief in one hand and a rotten tomato in the other (Scott).

The New York Times

Come to the theater prepared, with a handkerchief in one hand and a rotten tomato in the other.

The New York Times

Go to the theater prepared, with a handkerchief in one hand and a rotten tomato in the other (Scott).

The New York Times

It alleged that a group of UFCW demonstrators returned to that same store on October 30 , 2012and "confronted the store manager and handed him a rotten pumpkin painted in support of OUR Walmart.

Huffington Post

From the get-go since taking office, he has been dealt about as rotten a hand as any mayor has seen when it comes to city finances.

The New York Times

Anelka hands possession to Lennon with a rotten pass.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rotten hand" when you want to convey a sense of misfortune combined with unfairness or injustice in a situation someone is facing. It adds a layer of emotional resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a rotten hand" to describe mildly inconvenient situations. This phrase suggests a significant and unfair disadvantage, so reserve it for scenarios where the adversity is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rotten hand" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a noun phrase following verbs like 'deal', 'hand', or 'be dealt'. It describes an unfavorable situation or set of circumstances. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rotten hand" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an unfortunate or unfair situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It most commonly appears in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "a bad break" and "an unfair shake". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the situation and resonates with a sense of injustice or misfortune. The phrase is rare, but still deemed correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a raw deal

Stresses the unfairness of the situation, often implying exploitation.

an unfair shake

Highlights the perceived injustice in the situation, similar to "a rotten hand".

an uphill battle

Emphasizes the struggle and effort required to overcome the challenges.

a bad break

Focuses on the unfortunate event or situation itself, rather than the person's role in it.

a stroke of bad luck

Attributes the situation to chance or misfortune, rather than someone's actions.

a tough situation

Emphasizes the difficulty of the circumstances, without necessarily implying injustice.

an unfortunate turn of events

Highlights the unexpected and negative nature of what happened.

unfavorable circumstances

A more formal and general way of describing a difficult situation.

a difficult predicament

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation and the need for a solution.

adverse conditions

A more formal alternative, focusing on the negative aspects of the environment.

FAQs

What does the idiom "a rotten hand" mean?

The idiom "a rotten hand" refers to being dealt an unfavorable or unjust situation, often implying that someone is at a significant disadvantage due to circumstances beyond their control.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a rotten hand"?

Use "a rotten hand" when describing situations where someone has been treated unfairly or faces significant adversity due to bad luck or the actions of others. It's suitable for conveying a sense of injustice or misfortune.

What are some alternatives to saying someone was dealt "a rotten hand"?

You can use alternatives like "a bad break", "a raw deal", or "an unfair shake" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone was dealt "a rotten hand"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar and is commonly used in both spoken and written language to describe unfortunate or unjust situations.