it is dicey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is dicey" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is risky, uncertain, or precarious. Example: "Investing in that startup seems dicey given their lack of a solid business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is dicey these days for a news organization to use the word "liar" unless attributing it to a statement that someone else has said, but I deplore the soft stance that most papers take these days.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's dicey.

The New Yorker

'Nothing bad happened but it was dicey.

The Guardian

Because he needs space in order to be fully effective, it's dicey counting on Harvin against press coverage outside.

The New York Times

"The residents moved into that neighborhood when it was dicey and made it into a community," said City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, whose district includes the complex.

The New York Times

While it's dicey to read too much into one state's special-election primary, there are a number of lessons from Alabama.

The New Yorker

Back in the trees, when it's coming from the north and banking off the trees going the other way, it's dicey, but for the most part I did a good job".

The Guardian - Sport

"From the beginning, it was dicey whether cash flow going forward was good enough to cover the debt, and Tribune has been struggling since then — declining revenue, weaker margins".

The New York Times

So little is known about dinosaur embryology, they say, that it's dicey to reconstruct the locomotion of hatchlings and extrapolate to other taxonomic groups.

Science Magazine

They have no choice, but it's dicey.

Huffington Post

It's dicey; because it could present views they disagree with.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is dicey" to describe situations where the outcome is uncertain and could potentially lead to negative consequences. It's suitable for conveying a sense of risk or precariousness.

Common error

Avoid using "it is dicey" when the situation involves minimal risk or uncertainty. Choose a milder term if the potential negative consequences are negligible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is dicey" functions as an adjective phrase expressing an assessment of risk or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a variety of contexts, showcasing its role in evaluating potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is dicey" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is risky or uncertain. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, highlighting its usage across diverse sources. While the phrase is considered correct for general use, be mindful of the specific context and audience, opting for more precise or formal synonyms in certain settings. To enhance clarity and impact, avoid overstating the risk when using "it is dicey" and consider using it to convey a sense of caution about uncertain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is risky

Direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

it is hazardous

Implies a higher degree of danger or risk than "dicey".

it is perilous

Similar to hazardous, suggesting great danger and potential for harm.

it is precarious

Focuses on the instability or uncertainty of the situation.

it is uncertain

Highlights the lack of predictability in the outcome.

it is chancy

More informal synonym for "risky" or "uncertain".

it is touch-and-go

Idiomatic expression indicating a very uncertain and potentially dangerous situation.

it is fraught with danger

Emphasizes the presence of multiple risks and potential problems.

it is a gamble

Highlights the element of chance and the possibility of failure.

it is a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

FAQs

What does "it is dicey" mean?

"It is dicey" means that something is risky, uncertain, or unpredictable. The outcome is not guaranteed and could potentially be negative.

What can I say instead of "it is dicey"?

Alternatives to "it is dicey" include phrases like "it is risky", "it is hazardous", or "it is precarious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is dicey" formal or informal?

"It is dicey" falls somewhere in the middle of the formality spectrum. It's generally acceptable in both casual and professional contexts, but very formal situations might call for a more precise or elevated synonym.

How can I use "it is dicey" in a sentence?

You can use "it is dicey" to describe situations where there's a significant element of risk or uncertainty. For example, "Investing in that startup seems dicey given their lack of a solid business plan."