cripple the project

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cripple the project" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or situations that severely hinder or damage the progress or success of a project. Example: "The unexpected budget cuts could cripple the project, leaving us unable to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That could cripple the project, advocates said, because it was designed to be a three-year program of data collection and pesticide treatment tied to fatally disrupting the life cycle of the tick.

The New York Times

Days later, federal energy regulators issued a report saying that delays could cripple the project's future.

The New York Times

By showing an example of their workflow process, Blitz Games hoped to bridge the presentation gap between the companies could potentially "cripple the project".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But an agreement modified along those lines would effectively cripple the Google project, because it would mean that most orphan works would be digitally invisible.

The Guardian - Tech

And he feared that the very factionalism that the Federalists and Anti-Federalists personified was liable to cripple the whole project.

The New Yorker

Hinkley Point C has faced fierce opposition from EDF union leaders, while the company's finance director resigned amid fears that the project would cripple it financially.

The Guardian

They believe that the project is especially misplaced in Honduras, a country crippled by weak state machinery and courts that flounder in the face of organised crime.

The Economist

Failure here will often cripple a project, unless contingency plans have been worked into the project.

Science Magazine

A thousand Tony Sopranos emerged alongside our efforts, demanding protection money so that supply trucks weren't ambushed and requiring the U.S. to use "their" local contractors to ensure no accidents would cripple a project.

Huffington Post

"I believe you announced the project with great fanfare – "a Jewish Braveheart" – in an attempt to deflect continuing charges of anti-Semitism which have... crippled your career" he said, alleging that Gibson never intended to make the film.

Independent

A reduced provision under ZRG would virtually cripple the Organization's ability to meet the development costs of subsequent phases of the Oracle project funded under Programmes 5.2.1 and 5.2.3.

FAO

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cripple the project" when you want to emphasize a severe negative impact that could lead to failure or significant impairment of a project's objectives. Be mindful of the intensity of the verb "cripple" and ensure it accurately reflects the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "cripple the project" if the impact is only minor or temporary. Reserve this phrase for situations where the project's viability is genuinely at risk, as overuse can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cripple the project" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe what action severely hinders or damages a project. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cripple the project" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where a project faces a severe threat to its success. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its use in discussing potential setbacks or failures of various projects. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the magnitude of the impact being described and to choose alternatives like "derail the project" or "hamper the project" if the situation warrants a less drastic term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derail the project

This alternative suggests causing the project to fail completely by making it go off track.

sabotage the project

This alternative implies deliberate action to undermine and ruin the project.

hamper the project

This alternative indicates hindering the progress of the project, making it more difficult to succeed.

undermine the project

This alternative suggests weakening the project's foundation or effectiveness.

stymie the project

This alternative means presenting an obstacle to the project, preventing its advancement.

impede the project

This alternative denotes slowing down the project's progress.

stall the project

This alternative implies bringing the project to a standstill.

weaken the project

This alternative suggests reducing the project's strength or effectiveness.

disable the project

This alternative suggests rendering the project unable to function effectively.

obstruct the project

This alternative indicates blocking or hindering the project's progress.

FAQs

How can I use "cripple the project" in a sentence?

You can use "cripple the project" to describe actions or circumstances that severely hinder the progress or success of a project. For example: "Budget cuts could cripple the project, making it impossible to meet deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "cripple the project"?

Alternatives include "derail the project", "hamper the project", or "undermine the project". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to say something could "cripple the project"?

To say something could "cripple the project" means it could severely damage or hinder the project, possibly leading to its failure. The word "cripple" suggests a significant and lasting negative impact.

Is "cripple the project" too strong of a phrase in most cases?

While "cripple" is a strong word, it is appropriate when describing a situation that poses a serious threat to the project's success or viability. If the impact is less severe, consider alternatives such as "hamper the project" or "impede the project".