dangerous waters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dangerous waters' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom that is used to refer to any kind of difficult or uncertain situation. For example: "The company is navigating dangerous waters as it faces strong competition from new entrants in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's very dangerous waters".

The New York Times

Without that, brands enter dangerous waters.

The Guardian

Three members of the Congressional delegation are in dangerous waters.

The New York Times

He has navigated the dangerous waters of political cohabitation.

The Economist

Journalist: (with widened, alarmed eyes) That's dangerous waters!

The Guardian

I know I am getting into dangerous waters here, but it is time.

The New Yorker

Officials at MERS appear to recognize that they are swimming in dangerous waters.

The New York Times

But the writers wander into dangerous waters by urging law enforcement to get into the act.

The New York Times

John S. Burnett, author of "Dangerous Waters," explores why the world's oceans have become so dangerous.

The New York Times

"We're getting into dangerous waters here," Coach Pat Burns said when asked about the officiating.

The New York Times - Sports

I think this is very dangerous waters for the town, but we have to go swimming".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dangerous waters" to describe situations in business, politics, or personal relationships when navigating a sensitive or risky issue. For example, "The company is treading in dangerous waters with its new marketing campaign."

Common error

While "dangerous waters" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Overuse can make your language sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Consider more straightforward language in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dangerous waters" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a noun phrase serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a situation or circumstance characterized by risk, uncertainty, or potential harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dangerous waters" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe situations fraught with risk and uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and appropriate across diverse contexts, though particularly common in news and media, and academic settings. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse in casual conversation. Semantically related alternatives such as ""uncharted territory"" or ""risky business"" can offer nuanced variations. When used effectively, "dangerous waters" provides a concise and impactful way to communicate the potential for harm or difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncharted territory

Emphasizes the unknown and potentially hazardous nature of the situation, similar to venturing into unexplored waters.

treacherous situation

Focuses on the deceptive and hazardous aspects of the situation.

risky business

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes and the need for caution.

perilous circumstances

Stresses the imminence of danger and the severity of the potential consequences.

delicate situation

Underscores the need for careful handling and sensitivity to avoid negative repercussions.

volatile environment

Highlights the instability and unpredictability of the circumstances.

minefield of issues

Implies the presence of numerous hidden problems and potential points of conflict.

challenging times

Refers to a period marked by significant difficulties and obstacles.

precarious position

Highlights the instability and vulnerability of one's standing or situation.

difficult straits

Conveys a sense of hardship and limited options, akin to navigating a narrow and challenging waterway.

FAQs

How can I use "dangerous waters" in a sentence?

You can use "dangerous waters" to describe a situation that is risky, uncertain, or potentially problematic. For example, "The politician is navigating "dangerous waters" with his controversial stance on the issue."

What are some alternatives to "dangerous waters"?

Alternatives include "uncharted territory", "risky business", or "treacherous situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dangerous waters" in formal writing?

Yes, "dangerous waters" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing complex or sensitive topics. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "dangerous waters" and "hot water"?

"Dangerous waters" refers to a risky or uncertain situation, while "hot water" usually means being in trouble or facing immediate consequences for a specific action.