a tricky lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that are difficult to deal with or understand. Example: "The new team members are a tricky lot; they have unique perspectives that challenge our usual way of thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still, grooms are a tricky lot.

The New York Times

Heavenly witnesses are a tricky lot, to be used by whoever is closest to Heaven at the time.

The New Yorker

One big reason is that even the non-violent Basques are a tricky lot, while the terrorists of ETA are militarily hard to beat because they have enough popular support to give them water to swim in.

The Economist

None of which is particularly difficult to incorporate, but they're a tricky lot, hardened by years in the Stormont Assembly and consequently very bloodyminded when they don't get their way.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She's the first woman in 155 years to win that race, and what she had to overcome to do so was, of course, not limited to a long course, a tricky track and a lot of other horses.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a tricky balance because a lot of people are looking at it as a competitive advantage to be sitting on data, and if you think about, at least in the internet world, what's the value of Facebook, what's the valuation of Google?" he said.

TechCrunch

"He's a tricky fighter who possesses a lot of natural speed," said Khan. "I always want to face hungry young fighters and in Molina I'm up against a guy who has ambitions of world title success".

BBC

Effective management of a group is a lot trickier than many scientists like to acknowledge; it's a valuable skill.

Science Magazine

"Symptoms are a bit tricky for a lot of STIs, especially for people with penises, as the majority of people with an infection like chlamydia won't be symptomatic, but will be able to transmit the infection," Auckland-based youth health nurse Mikey Brenndorfer tells VICE.

Vice

And finding a voice, as many an artist can attest, is a lot trickier than finding a little old thing like happiness.

The New York Times

Starting towards the center of one side (you don't want you ends to join near a corner –- makes it a lot trickier), pin the raw edges of your pressed strip to the raw edges of the BACK side of the quilt.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tricky lot" to describe groups that require careful handling or present unexpected challenges. Ensure the context clarifies who or what constitutes the "lot".

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky lot" without clearly defining the group you're referring to. Ambiguity can confuse your audience, so ensure the context makes the reference explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky lot" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, acting as a nominal phrase that characterizes a group or set as being difficult or problematic. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe people, situations or even objects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky lot" is a phrase used to describe a group or set that is difficult or challenging to handle. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare in occurrence. It's primarily found in News & Media contexts and maintains a neutral register. If you're looking for alternative ways to express this idea, consider phrases like "a difficult bunch" or "a challenging group". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines who or what constitutes the "lot" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult bunch

Focuses on the difficulty in dealing with a group of people.

a challenging group

Emphasizes the challenges presented by a group.

a problematic set

Highlights the problems associated with a group or collection.

a tough crowd

Suggests a group that is hard to please or impress.

a handful

Indicates that someone or a group is difficult to manage.

a complex situation

Shifts the focus to the complexity of the circumstances.

a delicate matter

Highlights the sensitivity and careful handling required.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the problematic and complicated nature of a topic.

a knotty problem

Focuses on the intricate and difficult nature of a problem.

an awkward situation

Highlights the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a tricky lot" in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky lot" to describe a group of people or things that are difficult to handle or understand. For example, "The new clients are "a tricky lot"; they require a customized approach."

What's a similar phrase to "a tricky lot"?

Alternatives to "a tricky lot" include "a difficult bunch", "a challenging group", or "a problematic set" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a tricky lot" formal or informal?

"A tricky lot" is generally considered informal, though acceptable in neutral contexts. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "a complex group" or "a challenging cohort".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a tricky lot"?

Use "a tricky lot" when you want to describe a group of people or things that present unexpected difficulties or require careful management. It's suitable for situations where there's an element of unpredictability or complexity.