for some wiggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for some wiggle" is not standard in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in informal contexts to suggest allowing flexibility or movement in a situation, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "We need to leave some wiggle for adjustments in the budget."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the IRS allows for some wiggle room when it comes to medical deductions and business expenses.

The Washington Post

Such rules, however, seemed unduly harsh to Ross Mirkarimi, a city supervisor, who plans to introduce a symbolic resolution calling for some wiggle room when it comes nudity and wheeled floats, which were also newly barred from this year's race, scheduled for May 17.

The New York Times

Allow for some wiggle room.

BBC

A professor of mechanical engineering who led NSF's engineering directorate for 3 years before going to Purdue in 2008, Buckius immediately asked for some wiggle room.

Science Magazine

Some of the companies like Boom and Prenav seem to line up with the aforementioned thesis, but it seems that Solonitsyn isn't afraid to allow for some wiggle room.

TechCrunch

If a tool doesn't allow for some wiggle room in how you use it, then you either have to change the way you use it or get another tool.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As men of conservative inclinations, but who are ultimately ambitious pragmatists, Roberts and Romney have both found it necessary to adopt the rhetoric of the hard right, and some of its policies, while trying to preserve for themselves some wiggle room.

The New Yorker

As you were, says chancellor Philip Hammond to the public sector, give or take 2,500 extra staff for prisons and some wiggle room on efficiency savings, which might pay for the reputed 30,000 extra civil servants who will need to be drafted in to work on Brexit.

The Guardian

In other words, just as for a Californian winemaker, there is surely some wiggle room for an Italian or French or Spanish vintner, too.

The Economist

Even the Doggfather himself left some wiggle room for change in the packaging for his cannabis product Leafs by Snoop.

HuffPost

Invited several times by her interlocutors to offer up some hostages to fortune, for instance detailed guidance on what she would be looking for in the inflation numbers going forward, she wisely demurred, thereby preserving some wiggle room for herself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for some wiggle", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to allowing a degree of flexibility or adjustment within defined parameters. For example, 'The budget allows "for some wiggle" to accommodate unexpected expenses.'

Common error

Avoid implying unlimited flexibility when using "for some wiggle". Be clear about the boundaries within which adjustments are permitted to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for some wiggle" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating a degree of flexibility or allowance. It is often used to describe the extent to which adjustments can be made, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for some wiggle" is an acceptable, but not overly common, way to describe a degree of flexibility or allowance within a plan or set of rules. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often used in news and media contexts, with some presence in academic and wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it leans towards the informal side, and more precise terms may be preferable in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "some flexibility" or "some leeway" for increased clarity and formality. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the limits of the permitted adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to allow some leeway

Emphasizes a degree of tolerance or freedom of action within certain limits.

to permit some flexibility

Highlights the ability to adapt or change easily.

to provide some margin

Suggests creating extra space or time to avoid potential issues.

to grant some latitude

Implies giving someone freedom from strict rules or procedures.

to offer some elbow room

Uses a metaphor to describe providing enough space or freedom to operate effectively.

to leave some room for maneuver

Focuses on the ability to strategically change plans or tactics.

to create some breathing space

Emphasizes the reduction of pressure or stress by allowing more time or resources.

to build in some tolerance

Highlights the intentional inclusion of permissible variation or error.

to accommodate some variation

Focuses on adjusting to different conditions or circumstances.

to allow some play

Suggests a degree of freedom in a mechanical or abstract system.

FAQs

How can I use "for some wiggle" in a sentence?

Use "for some wiggle" to indicate that there is room for slight adjustments or flexibility within a plan or set of rules. For instance, "The project timeline allows "for some wiggle" in case of unforeseen delays."

What's the difference between "for some wiggle" and "some leeway"?

"For some wiggle" and "some leeway" are quite similar. "For some wiggle" implies a small amount of flexibility, while "some leeway" can suggest a broader range of freedom.

Is "for some wiggle" formal or informal?

"For some wiggle" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "a degree of flexibility" or "room for adjustment".

What can I say instead of "for some wiggle"?

You can use alternatives like "some flexibility", "some latitude", or "some room for adjustment" depending on the context.