a stiff drink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stiff drink" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a strong alcoholic beverage, often consumed to relax or cope with stress. Example: "After a long day at work, I like to unwind with a stiff drink on the porch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Style

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And a stiff drink".

The Guardian - Film

"We had a stiff drink.

The New York Times

The Scots may need a stiff drink.

The Economist

You'll need a stiff drink afterwards.

The Guardian - Film

I'm a wreck and I need a stiff drink.

The Guardian - Sport

Like forgetting about a bad haircut with a stiff drink.

The New York Times

MY friend sat down and ordered a stiff drink.

The New York Times

What she needs is "a stiff drink and a gab".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After that, we narrow liberal humanists needed a stiff drink.

The Guardian

For others, a stiff drink is a favorite (not to mention traditional) self-medication.

The New York Times

And yet there's something addictive about these stories — like potato chips or a stiff drink.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stiff drink" when you want to convey the idea of a strong alcoholic beverage, often used for relaxation or to cope with a stressful situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a stiff drink" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "alcoholic beverage" or specify the drink type.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stiff drink" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it is used to describe something someone needs, orders, or pours.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Style

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stiff drink" is a common and grammatically sound expression, typically used to describe a strong alcoholic beverage consumed for relaxation or stress relief. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, and is deemed appropriate for neutral to informal settings. While alternative phrases like "a strong alcoholic beverage" or "a potent cocktail" exist, "a stiff drink" maintains a widely understood and accepted meaning. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly employed to express the need for comfort during celebratory or stressful times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong alcoholic beverage

Replaces "stiff" and "drink" with more descriptive terms, specifying the alcoholic nature of the beverage.

a shot of hard liquor

Focuses on the type and strength of the alcohol, implying a quick, potent drink.

a potent cocktail

Emphasizes the mixed nature and strength of the drink.

a bracing drink

Highlights the invigorating or restorative effect of the drink.

a nerve-calming beverage

Focuses on the drink's ability to reduce anxiety or stress.

something strong to drink

A more general way of asking for an alcoholic beverage with high alcohol content.

a double whiskey

Specifies a type of alcoholic drink and emphasizes the doubled quantity for increased potency.

a pick-me-up

Focuses on the restorative qualities, though not necessarily alcoholic.

liquid courage

Figurative expression emphasizing the psychological effects of the drink.

hair of the dog

Idiomatic expression referring to an alcoholic drink taken to cure a hangover.

FAQs

How can I use "a stiff drink" in a sentence?

You can use "a stiff drink" to describe a strong alcoholic beverage, for example: "After a stressful day, I needed "a stiff drink" to unwind."

What's another way to say "a stiff drink"?

Alternatives include "a strong drink", "a hard drink", or "a potent cocktail", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a stiff drink" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a stiff drink" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "an alcoholic beverage" or specifying the drink.

What does "a stiff drink" usually imply?

The phrase "a stiff drink" usually implies a strong alcoholic beverage that is intended to provide relaxation, relief from stress, or even a temporary escape from problems.