it is a squeeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a squeeze" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that is tight or constrained, often in a financial or physical context. For example, "With the new budget cuts, it is a squeeze for the department to meet its goals." Alternative expressions include "it's a tight spot" and "it's a pinch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is a squeeze.

The Guardian

Either squeeze the sauce on, or if it is a squeeze bottle, then stick the end in the pie, squeeze and then put more onto the pie.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As it turned out, we won – but it was a squeeze, not a breeze.

Independent

It's a squeeze to get onto the terrace, but do try, because the sunsets are amazing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a squeeze even so, with celebrities (like Tina Brown, Charlie Rose and Martha Stewart) elbowing poets (like Billy Collins, John Hollander and Richard Howard) who were jostling with novelists (like Michael Cunningham, Mona Simpson and Alan Gurganus) for space at the bar.

The New York Times

"In a year where our fuel costs are almost doubled and bait costs have gone up 50 to 60percentt as a result of fuel," Mr. Feeney said, "it's a squeeze from both ends".

The New York Times

"Tightening of credit conditions on supply side and a fall in demand, it's a squeeze on both sides.

BBC

Even with my full-time job, it was a squeeze.

Huffington Post

"I am sharing a small room with another woman and it is a real squeeze, the kitchen is so, so bad.

The Guardian

But with just two feet to spare on each side, it is a tight squeeze.With up to 38 big ships passing through it each day, the 90-year-old waterway is now at the edge of its capacity.

The Economist

Hopefully it is a tight squeeze.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a squeeze" to convey a situation where resources, time, or space are limited and create difficulty. It is suitable for both financial and physical contexts.

Common error

While "it is a squeeze" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise language such as "financial strain" or "resource constraint" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a squeeze" functions as a comment on a current state of affairs. It expresses that a situation is difficult or tight. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a squeeze" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation characterized by limitations or constraints, often in terms of resources, space, or finances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness in English writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and register, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Related phrases include "it is a tight situation" and "it is a pinch". Remember to use "it is a squeeze" when conveying a sense of pressure or difficulty due to limited resources, and avoid overusing it in formal or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a pinch

Synonymous with "it is a squeeze", indicating a difficult or constrained situation.

it is a tight situation

Replaces "squeeze" with "tight situation", focusing on the challenging aspect of the circumstances.

it is a struggle

Highlights the effort required to manage a difficult situation, adding a sense of active effort.

it is a difficult situation

Emphasizes the difficulty of the situation, replacing the more nuanced "squeeze".

it is a financial strain

Highlights the financial aspect of the squeeze, making it more specific.

it is challenging

Replaces the idiom with a more straightforward adjective, losing some nuance.

it is a tight fit

Focuses on the aspect of limited space or resources, changing the context slightly.

it is a close call

Shifts the meaning towards a near miss or narrow escape, differing from the original's sense of pressure.

it is touch and go

Indicates uncertainty about the outcome, rather than a current state of constraint.

it is a juggling act

Suggests balancing multiple demands, different from a simple limitation or constraint.

FAQs

What does "it is a squeeze" mean?

The phrase "it is a squeeze" means that something is tight, constrained, or difficult due to limited resources, space, or time. It implies a situation where managing things is challenging.

When can I use the phrase "it is a squeeze"?

You can use "it is a squeeze" in situations where you want to describe a challenging or tight situation, whether it's related to finances, space, or time constraints. For example, "With rising costs, "it is a squeeze" to make ends meet."

What can I say instead of "it is a squeeze"?

You can use alternatives like "it is a tight situation", "it is a difficult situation", or "it is a pinch" depending on the context.

Is "it's a squeeze" the same as "it is a squeeze"?

"It's a squeeze" is a contracted form of "it is a squeeze" and they both carry the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on the level of formality you want to convey in your writing.