a sticky matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sticky matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is complicated, difficult, or sensitive, often requiring careful handling. Example: "The negotiations have turned into a sticky matter, with both sides unwilling to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marijuana is a sticky subject.

TechCrunch

The Tarzan trademark is a sticky issue.

Los Angeles Times

But there was also the sticky matter of the 17 years as a National Party MP, during which he rose through the party ranks while it committed some of the most unspeakable atrocities in recent times.

The Guardian

There is still that sticky matter of beating teams at the Izod Center, where they are only 4-8 and squandered a 22-point lead against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Vacuum filtration is proposed as suitable for the desorption of xylene from sticky matter (the combination of GNH powders and xylene).

Carbon

The always sticky matter of provenance was glossed over with tales of impecunious émigrés from the Russian Revolution — at a time when toppled aristocrats manned hotel doors throughout Europe — and amid expectations that lost works by Vermeer were bound to turn up, several having done so since his rediscovery by a French connoisseur in the eighteen-sixties.

The New Yorker

But critics also point to the sticky matter, perceived or real, of privacy: Sites that offer free Internet access typically require subscribers to divulge a certain amount of personal and demographic information, and the subscribers usually must agree to allow the site to trace their activities on the Web.

The New York Times

Into this definition are packed many of the idiosyncrasies of James's approach to religion — his preference for feelings over ideas, his preoccupation with individual experience, his mistrust of religious institutions and his determination to sidestep the sticky matter of the reality of God.

The New York Times - Books

Prof Steven Rowland from Plymouth University confirmed the sticky matter - which also affected hundreds of birds in February - was polyisobutene (PIB).

BBC

(And doing so solely because they crave the applause of ideological allies. It's not like Ralph Hudgens has his own solution to the sticky matter of keeping people alive).

Huffington Post

The Tudor and Stuart kings, of course, used their ever-more-elaborate Thames processions as a distraction, drawing public attention from such sticky matters as the fact that the king would persist in remarrying (awkward to crown Henry's numerous women in the traditional way) or, in the case of James II, that he was a Catholic (ditto).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sticky matter" to introduce a topic that requires careful consideration due to its complexity or potential for disagreement.

Common error

While appropriate for news and formal writing, avoid using "a sticky matter" in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "a tough situation" or "a tricky problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sticky matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a situation or issue as being complex and difficult to handle.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sticky matter" is a noun phrase used to describe a complex, sensitive, or difficult situation that requires careful handling. It is grammatically correct, although Ludwig indicates its usage is rare. While its register is generally neutral, it is more appropriate for formal or semi-formal contexts than casual conversation. Some alternative expressions include "a difficult situation" or "a tricky issue", each carrying slightly different connotations. When employing this phrase, consider the context and your audience to ensure the message is clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult situation

Emphasizes the problematic aspect of the situation.

a tricky issue

Highlights the need for careful navigation and problem-solving.

a delicate subject

Focuses on the sensitivity and potential for offense or conflict.

a sensitive topic

Similar to 'delicate subject' but slightly broader in scope.

a complicated problem

Stresses the complexity and difficulty in finding a solution.

a thorny question

Implies a challenging question with no easy answer.

a knotty problem

Similar to 'thorny question', suggesting a tangled and difficult issue.

a tough predicament

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable nature of the situation.

a challenging scenario

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

a complex affair

Emphasizes the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a sticky matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a sticky matter" to describe a complex or sensitive situation that needs careful handling. For instance, "The issue of data privacy has become "a sticky matter" for tech companies".

What's a less formal way to say "a sticky matter"?

Alternatives include "a tricky situation", "a difficult problem", or simply "a challenge", depending on the context.

Is "a sticky matter" always negative?

While often used in negative contexts to describe problems, "a sticky matter" can also refer to complex situations that require careful navigation without necessarily being entirely negative. It emphasizes complexity more than negativity.

What's the difference between "a sticky matter" and "a delicate issue"?

"A sticky matter" emphasizes complexity and difficulty, while "a delicate issue" emphasizes sensitivity and the potential for causing offense or harm.