on dangerous ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"on dangerous ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a situation in which someone is taking a risk or is in a precarious situation. For example, "This is a subject we're on dangerous ground with; it's best to just leave it alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tricky metaphor, to be sure, and one I'm on dangerous ground to entertain.

HuffPost

Ray also directed Ryan in the even better "On Dangerous Ground," also released in 1952, one of the actor's banner years.

The New York Times

I was on dangerous ground.

The New Yorker

Here Farah is on dangerous ground.

The Guardian - Sport

If so, American authorities are on dangerous ground.

The Economist

Republicans say Mr. Kerry might be treading on dangerous ground.

The New York Times

"Immediately I realized we were on dangerous ground," he said.

The New York Times

Highlights this week include Nicholas Ray's agonized 1952 noir "On Dangerous Ground" (Wednesday).

The New York Times

As the hard-fought general election gets underway, Trump's political standing is on dangerous ground.

The Washington Post

But they're on dangerous ground as they delve into her life and loves.

The Guardian

Our burden is to make people read, even if the books tread on dangerous ground.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on dangerous ground" when you want to convey that a situation or topic is sensitive, risky, or could lead to negative consequences. Be mindful of the specific nuance you want to express, as other similar phrases may have slightly different connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "on dangerous ground" when a more neutral term like "challenging" or "difficult" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of risk or potential harm, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on dangerous ground" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner or condition in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig show its use to describe situations involving risk, sensitivity, or potential negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on dangerous ground" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe risky or sensitive situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, indicating a situation where caution is advised. Related phrases, such as "in a precarious position" or "treading on thin ice", offer similar but nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the connotation of potential harm or negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a precarious position

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

treading on thin ice

Emphasizes the risk of something negative happening if one is not careful.

in a vulnerable situation

Highlights the lack of protection or defense.

in a hazardous state

Focuses on the potential for harm or danger.

on shaky ground

Implies a lack of solid foundation or support.

at risk

A more general term indicating exposure to potential harm or loss.

in a compromising situation

Suggests that one's reputation or integrity is at stake.

skating close to the edge

Implies approaching a limit beyond which danger lies.

in harm's way

Directly indicates exposure to potential danger.

in a sensitive area

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "on dangerous ground" in a sentence?

You can use "on dangerous ground" to describe a situation where someone is taking a risk or approaching a sensitive topic. For example, "The politician was "on dangerous ground" when he criticized the popular policy".

What are some alternatives to saying "on dangerous ground"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a precarious position", "treading on thin ice", or "in a vulnerable situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on a dangerous ground" instead of "on dangerous ground"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "on dangerous ground". The article "a" is not used in this phrase.

What's the difference between "on dangerous ground" and "in dangerous territory"?

"On dangerous ground" typically refers to a situation or topic that is risky or sensitive, while "in dangerous territory" often describes a physical location or situation that poses a threat. Although similar, they have slightly different connotations depending on the context.