lots of wiggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lots of wiggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that has a lot of flexibility or movement. Example: "The new dance routine allows for lots of wiggle, making it fun and energetic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lots of wiggle room there.

The New Yorker

The 22-50 cost range is wide and vague enough for lots of wiggle room.

The Guardian

I tried Googling the theme entry, hoping that the quip could be attributable to someone, anyone, just so I could say how awesome it was that Mr. Kahn had managed to cross two real phrases (I will admit that being able to cross what he did cross was no small feat, although the fact that he made up the quip gave him lots of wiggle room).

The New York Times

Lots of wiggle room.

Forbes

But the feds have lots of wiggle room to lessen their burden by, say, raising the age at which you become eligible to draw benefits.

Forbes

I was not impressed with the quality of the volume knob: there's very little weight to it, and lots of wiggle.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Crowns and fillings are a success only if they last; trials must run for many years, by which time new materials and methods are in use".That means wide variations in practice, and lots of wiggle-room for dentists to respond to financial incentives," says the review's lead author, Jimmy Steele, a professor of dentistry at Newcastle University.

The Economist

Dancers learn her "classic cabaret" style, which draws heavily on the image of belly dancing as depicted in Hollywood movies -- lots of wiggling and winking.

The New York Times - Arts

He's left himself a lot of wiggle room".

The New York Times

That seems to leave a lot of wiggle room, is all we're saying.

The New Yorker

"As a practical matter, they've got a lot of wiggle room," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lots of wiggle" to convey a sense of flexibility or room for adjustment, especially in situations where strict adherence to rules is not required. For example, when negotiating a deadline, ensure there's "lots of wiggle" to accommodate unforeseen delays.

Common error

While "lots of wiggle" is acceptable in many settings, avoid using it in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for alternatives like "ample flexibility" or "significant latitude" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of wiggle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a complement to verbs like 'have', 'leave', or 'give'. It describes the degree of flexibility or leeway available in a given situation. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates the availability of options or adjustments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lots of wiggle" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe flexibility or leeway in various contexts. Though Ludwig indicates it's perfectly usable, it's more commonly found in news and general articles rather than formal or scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "ample flexibility" or "significant latitude" for more formal situations. The phrase serves to communicate the presence of room for adjustment or potential error without strict adherence to a plan. While not overly common, it remains a useful idiom for conveying a sense of adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ample flexibility

Emphasizes the degree of adaptability available.

considerable leeway

Highlights the freedom to deviate from strict rules or guidelines.

significant latitude

Stresses the extent of freedom granted in interpretation or action.

plenty of room to maneuver

Focuses on the ability to navigate situations with available space or options.

a wide margin for error

Indicates that mistakes are permissible without severe consequences.

substantial breathing space

Implies the presence of enough resources or time to avoid pressure.

extensive play in the joints

Describes a situation with components having a loose fit, offering flexibility.

a great deal of slack

Highlights the freedom from tension or rigidity, allowing for adjustments.

generous scope for interpretation

Emphasizes the openness to various understandings or meanings.

a comfortable margin

Signifies a buffer or cushion that allows for deviations without causing problems.

FAQs

How can I use "lots of wiggle" in a sentence?

You can use "lots of wiggle" to describe situations where there is flexibility or room for adjustment. For example, "The project timeline has "lots of wiggle" to account for unexpected delays".

What can I say instead of "lots of wiggle"?

Alternatives to "lots of wiggle" include "ample flexibility", "considerable leeway", or "significant latitude", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "lots of wiggle" in a professional setting?

While understandable, "lots of wiggle" might be too informal for some professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "ample flexibility" or "considerable leeway" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "lots of wiggle" and "a little wiggle room"?

"Lots of wiggle" implies a significant amount of flexibility or room for maneuver, whereas "a little wiggle room" suggests a smaller, more limited degree of flexibility. The choice depends on the extent of flexibility you want to convey.