minefield of issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minefield of issues" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that is fraught with complex or dangerous problems. For example, "Navigating the new regulations felt like walking through a minefield of issues." Alternative expressions include "quagmire of problems" and "web of complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This minefield of issues has to be resolved before the 'Primary Education for All' Millennium Development Goal (MDG) can be successfully implemented.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That entails finding a set of state issues on which Mr. Perry is vulnerable without walking into the minefield of social issues that usually divide the parties, like abortion and gun control.

The New York Times

Rees and colleagues describe research in end-of-life care as a "minefield of ethical issues" due to the particular vulnerability of the population [ 2].

BMC Palliative Care

However, this field is not only the province of medical and biological research but is also a minefield of ethical concerns, issues for the wider society, and potential adverse psychological effects on individual patients and families.

British Journal of Cancer

Vick's case is a complex minefield of social and legal issues: animal rights on one hand, a heavy-handed misapplication of justice on the other.

The New York Times - Sports

But getting from here to there requires crossing a minefield of tribal, sectarian and governance issues.

The New York Times

The debate over John Terry's captaincy of England has snowballed into a minefield of moral, practical and sporting issues.

Independent

Although US companies' foreign subsidiaries will be allowed to engage with Iran, a minefield of regulatory, transparency and legal issues could present more risk than reward in the eyes of many.

The Guardian

Kieran Fitzgerald and Director Oliver Stone have written a screenplay which clearly runs us through a minefield of complex technical and legal issues, balancing them against their personal consequences to the film's characters.

Huffington Post

The one time that he did gingerly venture into the minefield of a racially charged local issue was his mild rebuke of the white officer that cuffed Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates in 2009.

Huffington Post

Extending his stroll through the minefield of ethnic politics just when the issue seemed behind him, Jon S. Corzine today accused a spurned would-be campaign worker of trying to blackmail him by threatening to go public with more "dirt" about supposed slurs against Italian-Americans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minefield of issues", ensure the context clearly indicates a complex and potentially dangerous situation. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where careful navigation is required to avoid negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "minefield of issues" when a simpler description of a problem would suffice. Overusing metaphorical language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minefield of issues" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive metaphor. It is used to characterize a situation or topic laden with complex, sensitive, and potentially problematic concerns that require careful navigation. Ludwig AI demonstrates that this expression commonly arises in contexts requiring detailed understanding and cautious maneuvering.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minefield of issues" serves as a potent metaphor for describing situations fraught with complexity and potential danger, demanding careful navigation and strategic decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers examples primarily from news, scientific, and business contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively communicates the need for caution when addressing sensitive or problematic matters. Alternatives like "complex web of problems" or "thorny set of problems" may offer nuanced variations in emphasis, depending on the specific context. Understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, such as overuse, is key to employing this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex web of problems

Replaces the metaphor of a "minefield" with a "web", emphasizing interconnectedness and difficulty in untangling the issues.

thorny set of problems

Uses the adjective "thorny" to highlight the difficulty and potential pain associated with the issues.

sensitive collection of issues

Emphasizes the delicate and potentially controversial nature of the issues.

challenging array of obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles presented by the issues, highlighting the difficulty in overcoming them.

delicate situation

This is a shorter, less descriptive alternative that still conveys the presence of potential problems.

difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and potentially unfavorable nature of the issues.

intricate series of challenges

Underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges presented by the issues.

problematic situation

A more direct and less metaphorical way of describing the issues.

troublesome set of concerns

Focuses on the worrisome and potentially problematic nature of the issues.

entangled mess of difficulties

Replaces "minefield" with "entangled mess", emphasizing confusion and the difficulty of disentanglement.

FAQs

How can I use "minefield of issues" in a sentence?

You can use "minefield of issues" to describe situations filled with potential problems and complexities, such as: "The negotiation proved to be a "minefield of issues" requiring careful diplomacy."

What can I say instead of "minefield of issues"?

You can use alternatives like "complex web of problems", "thorny set of problems", or "challenging array of obstacles" depending on the context.

Is "minefield of issues" a formal or informal expression?

"Minefield of issues" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more impactful in situations where the complexity is significant and requires careful handling.

What makes "minefield of issues" a strong descriptor?

The phrase "minefield of issues" is strong due to its metaphorical comparison to a minefield, conveying the inherent danger and potential for disastrous outcomes if not navigated carefully.