barely a squeak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely a squeak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is very little sound or noise, often implying that something is very quiet or subdued. Example: "The old car was so quiet that it made barely a squeak as it rolled down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Since its launch, barely a squeak.

The Guardian - Opinion

These days, there's barely a squeak.

The Guardian - Business

The Conservative mayor has raised barely a squeak of protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

America's Congress has uttered barely a squeak as Wall Street's titans have taken foreign cash.

The Economist

But since then the yen has rebounded with barely a squeak from the BoJ.

The Economist

There was barely a squeak of protest when the government announced that the SPA would reach 67 in 2028".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"And not just a little, but, like, 'a-squeak-a-squeak-a-squeak' with each bite".

The New York Times

On the matter of increasing the consumption tax an issue Mr Tanigaki fought on and which Mr Abe's allies say will be the most pressing domestic matter for the new government barely a squeak.Much hangs on his appointments next week.

The Economist

Not a squeak.

The New Yorker

More of a squeak.

Independent

But no, not a squeak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely a squeak" to emphasize the unexpected or noteworthy absence of sound or opposition in situations where some reaction might be anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "barely a squeak" solely to describe a quiet environment. The phrase is most effective when it conveys a lack of expected response or protest, not merely the absence of noise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely a squeak" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a minimal or non-existent response, sound, or protest. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples from news sources show it describing situations where one would expect a reaction, but there's very little.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely a squeak" is a common phrase used to describe situations where there is minimal or no reaction, sound, or protest. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is valid and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys the unexpected absence of noise or opposition. Related phrases include "hardly a peep" and "scarcely a sound". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an absence of expected response rather than just a quiet environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly a peep

Emphasizes the lack of any sound or utterance.

scarcely a sound

Highlights the minimal level of audible noise.

almost no noise

Focuses on the absence of significant noise.

little to no protest

Specifically refers to the absence of opposition or complaint.

virtually silent

Suggests near-complete silence.

not a whisper

Emphasizes the lack of even the quietest sound.

faintly audible

Indicates a sound that is barely perceptible.

subdued silence

Highlights the quiet and restrained nature of the silence.

muted response

Implies a weak or softened reaction.

minimal objection

Points out the very low level of disagreement or disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "barely a squeak" in a sentence?

You can use "barely a squeak" to describe a situation where there's an unexpected absence of sound or protest. For example: "There was barely a squeak of protest when the new policy was announced".

What does "barely a squeak" mean?

"Barely a squeak" means there was very little or no sound or opposition. It suggests a quiet or subdued reaction to something.

What can I say instead of "barely a squeak"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly a peep", "scarcely a sound", or "little to no protest" depending on the context.

Is "barely a squeak" a common phrase?

Yes, "barely a squeak" is a common phrase, especially in news and media, to describe situations where minimal reaction or noise occurs.