murky business

USAGE SUMMARY

"murky business" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation or activity that is confusing, suspicious, or unethical. Example: The politician was involved in some murky business deals that raised several red flags among the public. In this sentence, "murky business" is used to describe the questionable and potentially corrupt activities of the politician.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Football can be a murky business.

The Guardian - Sport

Jurisdiction on the Internet has always been a murky business.

The New York Times

Gauging competitiveness is a murky business, with no obvious benchmarks.

The Economist

Real estate development in China is a murky business.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hellman's death, in 1984, dissolved the whole murky business.

The New Yorker

"There remain many unanswered questions about this murky business.

The Guardian

Is this the former Kremlin power-broker, known mostly for political intrigues and murky business deals?

The Economist

MODERN espionage is often a bumbling as well as a murky business.

The Economist

Murky business dealings have never been a bar to government service.

The Economist

Reinsurance, already something of a murky business, may become even more complicated as a result.

The New York Times

He is also good on the broader, murky business of undersea warfare.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murky business" to describe situations where there is a lack of transparency and potential for unethical or illegal activities. Ensure the context clearly indicates the suspicious nature of the business being described.

Common error

While "murky business" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language to describe specific issues such as fraud, corruption, or regulatory non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky business" functions as a noun phrase, with "murky" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "business". It's used to describe a situation or set of activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "murky business" is a commonly used expression to describe situations lacking transparency and potentially involving unethical or illegal activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalence in news and media, formal business contexts, and science. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's advisable to use more specific language in formal settings. Alternatives such as "shady dealings" or "questionable enterprise" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. In essence, "murky business" serves as a cautionary flag, signaling the need for careful scrutiny and investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain business

Replaces "murky" with a synonym emphasizing lack of clarity or predictability.

shady dealings

Focuses on the secretive and potentially illegal aspect of the business.

questionable enterprise

Highlights the dubious nature and moral ambiguity of the undertaking.

dubious operation

Emphasizes the doubtful or suspicious character of the activity.

opaque transactions

Shifts the focus to the lack of transparency in specific business interactions.

dodgy scheme

Implies a plan that is likely dishonest or illegal.

fishy affair

Uses a more informal term to suggest something is suspicious or not quite right.

suspicious activity

Focuses on actions that raise doubts or concerns about legality or ethics.

underhanded practices

Highlights the deceitful and unfair methods used in the business.

illicit trade

Specifically refers to unlawful or prohibited commercial activities.

FAQs

How can I use "murky business" in a sentence?

You can use "murky business" to describe situations that are suspicious, unclear, or unethical. For example, "The investigation revealed a series of "murky business" dealings involving several high-ranking officials."

What are some alternatives to "murky business"?

Alternatives include "shady dealings", "questionable enterprise", or "dubious operation" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the situation.

Is "murky business" a formal or informal expression?

"Murky business" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. It is suitable for news articles and general discussions, but more formal or technical language might be preferable in academic or legal contexts.

What makes a business qualify as a "murky business"?

A business qualifies as a "murky business" when its activities involve a lack of transparency, potential for illegal actions, or unethical behavior. This often includes complex financial transactions or secretive operations that are difficult to understand or scrutinize.