a tricky act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is difficult or requires skill to perform successfully. Example: "Balancing work and personal life can be a tricky act for many professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's a tricky act.

The New York Times

Here, then, the managerial job becomes one of delicate balance, a tricky act of mediation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's a tricky act to pull off, and one that can all too easily expose an actress's weaknesses.

The New Yorker

In her first notable intervention as women's minister and a "very modern feminist", a tricky act to pull off in this extravagantly misogynistic government, she demonstrated how controlling women, in line with Hunt's contempt for their reproductive rights, can be portrayed as a passionate concern for their wellbeing.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was partly because the bar was set higher than most: Twenty Twelve was always going to be a tricky act to follow – all the more so as the themes and tropes that made it such a success were bound to feel a bit familiar second time round.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Balancing support for data-based digital innovation, including where data-thirsty technologies like AI are concerned, with respect for the privacy of people's highly sensitive health data will be a tricky act for the government to steer, though.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Murray's novels, though, are a trickier act.

The New York Times - Books

Cohen-Wolkowiez, M, and Benjamin, DK. "Development of Therapeutics for Children-A Tricky Balancing Act". Jama Pediatrics 173, no. 1 (January 2019): 18-19.

Duke University

Luis Carlos Restrepo, the peace commissioner, said he was using his "persuasive powers" to try to convince them to turn themselves in.The government faces a tricky balancing act.

The Economist

But he faces a tricky balancing act.

The Economist

This presents a tricky balancing act.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky act", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the act 'tricky'. Specify the elements of skill, precision, or risk involved to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky act" when the situation is merely inconvenient or requires minimal effort. Reserve it for scenarios genuinely demanding skill, strategy, or careful execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI shows it describes something requiring skill or careful handling. The examples provided highlight its use in various contexts, from political negotiations to artistic performances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky act" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation or task requiring skill and careful handling. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it's not as common as other similar phrases, it effectively conveys the need for precision and strategic navigation. Remember to specify what makes the act 'tricky' for better clarity and avoid overusing it for situations that are only mildly challenging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate maneuver

Replaces 'act' with 'maneuver', emphasizing the skill and care required.

a challenging feat

Substitutes 'act' with 'feat', highlighting the difficulty and accomplishment involved.

a difficult undertaking

Replaces 'tricky' with 'difficult' and 'act' with 'undertaking', focusing on the challenging nature of the task.

a complex operation

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

a precarious situation

Shifts the focus to the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

a subtle game

Highlights the nuanced and strategic elements involved.

a demanding performance

Focuses on the high level of skill and effort required.

a sensitive matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and consideration.

an artful dodge

Highlights the cleverness and skill in avoiding a negative outcome.

a fine line to walk

Emphasizes the need for balance and precision in navigating a situation.

FAQs

How can "a tricky act" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky act" to describe any task or situation that requires careful navigation or skillful handling, such as "Negotiating a peace treaty is "a tricky act"".

What are some alternatives to "a tricky act"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a delicate maneuver", "a challenging feat", or "a difficult undertaking", each emphasizing different aspects of the challenge.

Is "a tricky act" formal or informal?

"A tricky act" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. It's generally considered appropriate for news media and general conversation.

What makes "a tricky act" different from "a simple task"?

While "a simple task" implies ease and straightforwardness, ""a tricky act"" suggests complexity, potential pitfalls, and the need for skill or careful planning to achieve a successful outcome.