flimsy hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flimsy hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hope that is weak, uncertain, or not well-founded. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she held onto her flimsy hope that things would improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But is it a flimsy hope to think of poetry as a force in an ecological battle?

The Guardian - Books

Paying GPs or nurses to run largely empty weekend surgeries on the flimsy hope this will reduce hospital attendances is not the solution – it is just bad economics.

The Guardian

A flimsy hope gives breath.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His remaining rivals — Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ohio Gov. John Kasich — and their allies were left to cling to the flimsiest of hopes that a reversal of his fortunes still lies on the near horizon.

The Washington Post

Do solicitors run cases they know are flimsy in the hope of a quick settlement?

The Guardian

Many Haitians, among others, pay thousands of dollars to smugglers for passage in flimsy boats in hopes of landing in the Bahamas, or reaching the United States, about 700 miles away, to find work.

The New York Times

This report is nothing more than a half-baked attempt by the Trump Administration and its dirty energy allies to assemble a flimsy rationale in hopes of pressuring FERC, grid managers, and utilities to bail out uneconomical, highly subsidized coal and nuclear plants.

HuffPost

It's disappointing to see FTC resources wasted on this flimsy case and I hope Judge Koh rules based on real world impacts, not a flawed theory.

Forbes

Instead they go to court on the flimsiest pretext in the hope of nabbing a share of the market or they take the risk of launching products similar to patented drugs.

The Economist

So, instead it goes into "extend and pretend" mode, allowing endless payment delays on the flimsiest premises, hoping against hope that you will win the lottery and resume paying your loan.

Forbes

I'm not a big believer in the often-flimsy solace of mere "hope".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flimsy hope", ensure that the context clearly conveys the weakness or uncertainty associated with the hope. This can be achieved by providing specific details about the situation or the reasons for the doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy hope" when the situation suggests a reasonable or strong likelihood of success. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where the chance of a positive outcome is minimal or highly uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flimsy hope" is to act as a noun phrase where the adjective "flimsy" modifies the noun "hope". It describes the quality or nature of the hope, indicating its weakness or lack of substantial basis. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flimsy hope" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a weak or uncertain expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in English. It is most often found in news and academic contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a sense of doubt or vulnerability regarding a particular hope. When using this phrase, it is best to ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for the uncertainty or lack of strength associated with the hope. Consider alternatives like "shaky hope" or "tenuous hope" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaky hope

Indicates a hope that is not firmly established and easily undermined.

tenuous hope

Emphasizes the insubstantial or weak basis of the hope.

weak hope

Directly describes the hope as lacking strength or substance.

fragile hope

Highlights the delicate and easily broken nature of the hope.

slim hope

Suggests the hope has a low probability of being realized.

remote possibility

Focuses on the unlikelihood of the desired outcome.

slight chance

Indicates a minimal likelihood of success or a positive outcome.

dubious prospect

Suggests the anticipated outcome is questionable or uncertain.

uncertain expectation

Highlights the lack of confidence in the anticipated outcome.

unlikely optimism

Suggests that the optimism is not well-founded and may be unrealistic.

FAQs

How can I use "flimsy hope" in a sentence?

You can use "flimsy hope" to describe a situation where there is a small or uncertain chance of a positive outcome. For example, "Despite the overwhelming odds, they clung to a "flimsy hope" of rescue".

What are some alternatives to "flimsy hope"?

Alternatives to "flimsy hope" include phrases such as "shaky hope", "tenuous hope", or "weak hope", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "flimsy hope" in formal writing?

Yes, "flimsy hope" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a situation where the chance of success is minimal or uncertain. Ensure that the context clearly supports the use of this phrase.

What's the difference between "flimsy hope" and "false hope"?

"Flimsy hope" suggests a hope that is weak or uncertain but still possibly valid. "False hope", on the other hand, implies a hope that is completely unfounded and misleading.