million dollar question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "million dollar question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult question or situation that is difficult to answer or solve, usually in context of money or finances. For example, "What should I do with my savings? That's the million dollar question!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"That's the million dollar question," Dr. Raichlen says.

The New York Times

"That's the million dollar question," Ms. Romer said.

The New York Times

And now we come to the million dollar question.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the million–dollar question right now, or I guess trillion-dollar question.

The New York Times

This is the million dollar question.

Comparative Migration Studies

Kassim: That's the million dollar question.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The four million dollar question: will he sink or swim?

The Guardian - Sport

The million dollar question is when Japan realizes this, too".

The New York Times

A.That's the million-dollar question.

The New York Times

That's the million-dollar question.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is the million-dollar question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "million dollar question" when you want to emphasize the significance and difficulty of a question, particularly one with substantial implications or value.

Common error

Avoid using "million dollar question" literally. It's an idiom, so reserve it for situations where the question has profound implications or is incredibly difficult to answer, not just any query.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "million dollar question" functions as a noun phrase used idiomatically to represent a particularly challenging or important question. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "million dollar question" is a commonly used idiom to describe a particularly challenging or crucial question. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media, though also present in science and other fields. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or informal contexts, and less appropriate for highly formal writing. Remember to use it idiomatically to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "the key question" or "the crucial question" can be used in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key question

Focuses on the importance of the question being asked, omitting the financial metaphor.

the crucial question

Emphasizes the critical nature of the question without the monetary aspect.

the burning question

Highlights the urgency and widespread interest in the question.

the central problem

Shifts the focus to the core issue needing resolution, rather than framing it as a question.

the fundamental issue

Emphasizes the basic and underlying nature of the problem or question.

the 64,000 dollar question

A similar idiom referencing a large sum of money, though less contemporary.

the elephant in the room

Refers to an obvious issue that no one wants to discuss, differing in its implication of avoidance.

the heart of the matter

Focuses on the core essence of a situation, downplaying the interrogative aspect.

the real challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the problem, instead of framing it as a question.

the big unknown

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of knowledge surrounding the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "million dollar question" in a sentence?

You can use "million dollar question" to refer to a crucial question that is very difficult to answer. For example: "The "million dollar question" is, how do we solve this crisis?"

What does "million dollar question" actually mean?

The phrase "million dollar question" is an idiom used to describe a question that is particularly important, complex, and often difficult or impossible to answer. The 'million dollars' symbolizes the high value or significance of the answer.

What can I say instead of "million dollar question"?

You can use alternatives like "the key question", "the crucial question", or "the burning question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "million dollar question" in formal writing?

While "million dollar question" is widely understood, it's generally more suited to informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct phrases like "the central question" or "the key issue" to maintain a professional tone.