it was touch and go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was touch and go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is uncertain or risky, where the outcome could go either way. Example: "During the surgery, it was touch and go for a while, but the doctors managed to stabilize the patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was touch and go.

The Economist

It was touch and go tennis.

The New York Times

But it was touch and go.

The New Yorker

At times it was touch and go.

The Guardian

"It was touch and go about how serious it was.

Independent

Still, looking back, it was touch and go.

The New York Times

"It was touch and go on a number of occasions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was touch and go whether I would race Romandie.

The Guardian - Sport

For 18 months it was touch and go.

The Guardian

It was touch and go for a while.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was touch-and-go even before the game today".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “it was touch and go” to add suspense and drama to a narrative by highlighting the uncertainty of a situation. Ensure it is followed by the resolution to maximize the effect.

Common error

Avoid using "it was touch and go" without providing sufficient context about the situation. Without clear context, the phrase may lack impact and leave the reader wondering what was uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was touch and go" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to describe a past situation where the outcome was uncertain and could have turned out negatively. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was touch and go" is a common idiom used to describe a past situation with an uncertain outcome, often implying risk or danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its neutral register. Related phrases include "it was a close call" and "the outcome was uncertain". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the uncertain outcome. Keep in mind that "it is touch and go" is for present uncertain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was touch and go there

This alternative adds 'there' to emphasize the temporal aspect of the uncertainty, highlighting a specific period of risk.

it was a close call

This alternative emphasizes the narrow margin by which a negative outcome was avoided.

it was a near thing

Similar to 'close call', this highlights the proximity to an undesirable result.

it was hanging in the balance

This suggests the outcome was undecided and could have gone either way.

the outcome was uncertain

This is a more direct way of stating that the result was not guaranteed.

it was dicey

A more informal term suggesting the situation was risky and unpredictable.

it was precarious

This highlights the instability and potential for failure.

it was a cliffhanger

This emphasizes the suspense and uncertainty of the situation, often used figuratively.

it was on a knife edge

This vividly portrays the delicate balance and high risk involved.

the situation was critical

This emphasizes the severity of the situation and the potential for a negative outcome.

FAQs

What does "it was touch and go" mean?

The phrase "it was touch and go" means that the outcome of a situation was uncertain and could have gone either way, often implying a risky or dangerous situation.

How can I use "it was touch and go" in a sentence?

You can use "it was touch and go" to describe situations where the result was uncertain. For example: "During the surgery, "it was touch and go" for a while, but the doctors managed to stabilize the patient."

What can I say instead of "it was touch and go"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a close call", "it was a near thing", or "the outcome was uncertain" depending on the context.

Is "it's touch and go" the same as "it was touch and go"?

While similar, "it's touch and go" refers to a present or ongoing uncertain situation, whereas "it was touch and go" refers to a past uncertain situation.