as tricky as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as tricky as a" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to make a comparison between two things that are equally difficult or challenging. Here is an example: "Learning to play the piano is as tricky as a Rubik's cube - it takes time, practice, and patience to master."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But Don Sebastian can be as tricky as a wagon load of monkeys.

Independent

But as I said, technology is complicated and while the internet is not as tricky as a hotel TV remote (seriously, they could stump Nasa), it is perilous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Probably there is no one who understands better than Mr Dudamel that keeping politics and music apart can be as tricky as a Paganini variation, especially if your native land is Venezuela.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Beforehand, some people wondered how such a diverse group would agree about something as tricky as an energy policy.

The Economist

Yet with product development cycles of up to two years, designing a phone for the rapidly changing tastes of American teenagers can be as tricky as doing a kickflip on a moving skateboard.

The New York Times - Tech

Even a simple operation such as replacing a telephone receiver becomes as tricky as aiming an arrow at a permanently moving target.

The Guardian

Weekend Escapes Planning a weekend trip can be as tricky as securing a green patch of Central Park on a balmy Saturday.

The New York Times

Finding the right child care is as tricky as lifting a wriggling toddler out of a bath — and something you had better not do with your eyes closed.

The New York Times

Yet appointing a new conductor, if not quite as tricky as electing a pope or prime minister, is fraught with hazard.

The Guardian - Music

But tethering the two together can, at times, be as tricky as eliciting a low-key turn from Lucille Ball.

The Guardian - Film

STEERING Canada's economy towards recovery is proving as tricky as driving a car on the icy streets of its cities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as tricky as a", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the audience. For example, "Navigating this software is "as tricky as a" maze."

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase "as tricky as a" in your writing. Variety enhances readability. Consider alternatives like "complicated", "difficult", or "challenging", depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as tricky as a" functions as a comparative simile, used to draw a parallel between the difficulty of one thing and the perceived difficulty of another. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase highlights challenges in diverse situations. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this pattern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the simile "as tricky as a" effectively conveys the difficulty of a subject by comparing it to something inherently challenging. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and its usage spans across news, media, and scientific domains. While alternatives such as "as complicated as a" or "as difficult as a" exist, "as tricky as a" offers a distinct emphasis on the need for careful handling. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is relatable to your audience for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as complicated as a

Replaces "tricky" with "complicated", emphasizing the complex nature of the comparison.

as difficult as a

Substitutes "tricky" with "difficult", highlighting the level of effort required.

as complex as a

Replaces "tricky" with "complex", focusing on the multi-layered nature of the comparison.

as challenging as a

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task, replacing "tricky" with "challenging".

as intricate as a

Focuses on the detailed and complex nature, using "intricate" instead of "tricky".

as problematic as a

Highlights the presence of problems or issues, replacing "tricky" with "problematic".

as convoluted as a

Emphasizes the confusing and complicated nature, using "convoluted" instead of "tricky".

as thorny as a

Implies a situation filled with difficulties and potential issues, using "thorny" instead of "tricky".

as cumbersome as a

Highlights the burdensome and difficult nature, substituting "tricky" with "cumbersome".

as delicate as a

Indicates a need for careful handling, substituting "tricky" with "delicate".

FAQs

What does "as tricky as a" mean?

The phrase "as tricky as a" is a simile used to describe something that is difficult, complex, or requires careful handling. It compares the subject to something known for its challenging nature.

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

You can use "as tricky as a" to compare two things that share a similar level of difficulty or complexity. For example, "Negotiating this contract is "as tricky as a" high-stakes chess game."

What are some alternatives to "as tricky as a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as complicated as a", "as difficult as a", or "as challenging as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as tricky as" without the "a"?

While grammatically acceptable, adding "a" after "as tricky as" makes the comparison clearer by specifying a singular item or situation being compared to. It's generally more idiomatic to include the article.