a stay of execution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stay of execution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a court order that temporarily halts the enforcement of a judgment or sentence. Example: "The defendant was granted a stay of execution while the appeal was being considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The NASUWT has also called for a stay of execution for standard grade exams in Scotland.

BBC

But Marius II has been granted a stay of execution.

The Economist

Will its extraordinary popularity overseas provide a stay of execution?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once again we're going to get a stay of execution.

The New York Times

"All this does is a stay of execution.

The New York Times

But that is a stay of execution, not a pardon.

The New York Times

For Scheherazade, storytelling is, literally, a stay of execution.

The Guardian

Mr. Williams is now seeking a stay of execution in a state court.

The New York Times

Mr Bush has never before issued a stay of execution in his five years as governor.

The Economist

Mr Fidler had hoped his bat droppings would gain Honeycrock Castle a stay of execution.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His request for a stay of execution eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stay of execution" when you want to emphasize a temporary delay or suspension of a negative outcome, especially in situations where the final result is still expected or possible. It is more suitable for formal or serious situations rather than casual ones.

Common error

Don't assume that obtaining "a stay of execution" means the problem is permanently resolved. It merely provides temporary relief. The underlying issue still needs to be addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stay of execution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a temporary suspension or postponement of a scheduled event, often a legal penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stay of execution" is a noun phrase denoting a temporary suspension or postponement of a negative outcome, often in a legal context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral to formal tone. While it provides temporary relief, it doesn't resolve the underlying issue, as seen in the provided examples. Be mindful of its serious connotation and use alternatives in more casual settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponement of sentence

Specifically refers to delaying a legal sentence, maintaining the legal context of the original phrase.

delay of enforcement

Highlights the act of delaying the implementation of a rule or decision, suitable for bureaucratic or legal scenarios.

temporary reprieve

Implies a short-term break or postponement, differing in its broader applicability beyond legal or formal contexts.

deferment of action

Emphasizes the act of postponing a specific action or decision, suitable for professional or procedural contexts.

temporary suspension

Focuses on the halting of something, similar to a stay, but can apply to rules, processes, or actions.

reprieve from doom

Emphasizes the avoidance of a catastrophic outcome, adding a dramatic element absent in the original phrase.

moratorium

Indicates a formal suspension of activity, often used in economic or political contexts, carrying a more official tone.

respite from disaster

Suggests a brief period of relief from an ongoing or impending disaster, broadening the context from legal to general misfortune.

a break from the inevitable

Highlights the temporary nature of the reprieve in the face of an unavoidable event, adding a sense of fatalism.

breather

Informally suggests a pause or rest, shifting away from formal or legal contexts to a more casual sense of relief.

FAQs

How is "a stay of execution" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a stay of execution" refers to a court order that temporarily suspends the enforcement of a judgment or sentence. This can be granted while an appeal is being considered or to allow time for other legal processes.

What are some alternatives to "a stay of execution" in non-legal scenarios?

Outside of legal settings, you could use phrases like "temporary reprieve", "temporary suspension", or "breather" to convey a similar meaning of postponement or relief.

Is it appropriate to use "a stay of execution" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "a stay of execution" leans towards formal usage. In informal conversations, consider using more casual alternatives like "temporary reprieve" or simply saying something has been "put on hold".

What's the difference between "a stay of execution" and "a pardon"?

"A stay of execution" is a temporary postponement, while a pardon is a complete forgiveness of the offense, releasing the individual from any further punishment. As one of the example sentences puts it, "that is a stay of execution, not a pardon."