ripe for the taking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ripe for the taking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an opportunity that presents itself easily and can be achieved without much difficulty. For example, "With the market demanding fresh produce, this business opportunity is ripe for the taking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The radical centre ground is ripe for the taking.

Independent

First, their division, the National Football Conference Central, is ripe for the taking.

The New York Times - Sports

There is an affluent market out there ripe for the taking.

The Guardian

Luckily for them, there are useful players sitting on waiver wires who are ripe for the taking.

The New York Times - Sports

The offense got off to its best start of the season against a defense that was ripe for the taking.

The New York Times - Sports

Since then the export pace has not slowed.To Australian eyes, the wine business in the Old World was ripe for the taking.

The Economist

They see those states (heavily white, minimally Latino, where they believe the Obama campaign has underinvested) as ripe for the taking.

The Economist

With two injured starters sidelined and with few able bodies on its bench, Pittsburgh seemed ripe for the taking Wednesday night, but St. John's was, instead, soundly beaten.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is still a very ripe market for the taking — as Asymco recently pointed out, countries like the U.S. actually are showing little sign right now of smartphone adoption slowing down — in fact at the moment it looks like adoption is some of the highest its been over the last 14 months.

TechCrunch

His replacement, Steven Norris, a little-known former minister, ran again in 2004 and was considering a third bid after Tory efforts to woo everyone from John Major, a former prime minister, to Lord Stevens, a one-time head of London's police, came to naught.With the right candidate, London ought to be ripe for the Conservatives' taking.

The Economist

"The market was ripe for profit taking" said Bill Barker, investment strategy consultant at RBC Dain Rauscher in Dallas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ripe for the taking" when you want to convey that a situation, market, or opponent is in a vulnerable state and can be easily exploited or won over. Ensure that the context makes it clear who or what is poised to 'take' advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "ripe for the taking" when the subject is not actually vulnerable or in a state of being acted upon. This phrase is best suited for describing situations where something is passively awaiting an actor to take advantage. If the subject is actively defending itself, this phrase is not the right fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ripe for the taking" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is in a favorable condition to be exploited, acquired, or won. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig show it often describes markets, opportunities, or opponents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ripe for the taking" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is in a vulnerable or advantageous state, making it easy to exploit or acquire. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While suitable for neutral and informal settings, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing. Understanding the nuances of its usage, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, allows for its effective and appropriate application in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ripe for picking

Implies that something is at its peak and ready to be harvested or taken advantage of.

An easy target

Highlights the lack of difficulty in achieving a desired outcome.

Vulnerable to exploitation

Focuses on the weakness or defenselessness that makes something an easy target.

Vulnerable to attack

Focuses on the potential for being attacked or exploited due to weakness.

In a defenseless state

Focuses on the lack of protection or security, making something susceptible to attack or takeover.

Ready to be seized

Emphasizes the immediacy and ease with which something can be taken or acquired.

Susceptible to capture

Highlights the vulnerability and ease of being captured or taken over.

Offering little resistance

Indicates a lack of opposition, making success straightforward.

In a weakened condition

Emphasizes the reduced strength or ability to resist, making something easier to overcome.

Prime for acquisition

Suggests a high degree of suitability for being acquired or obtained.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "ripe for the taking"?

When something is described as "ripe for the taking", it means it's in a vulnerable state and easily exploited or acquired. It suggests an opportune moment where success can be achieved with minimal effort.

How can I use "ripe for the taking" in a sentence?

You can use "ripe for the taking" to describe a market, situation, or even an opponent that is in a weakened or vulnerable state. For example, "With their main competitor bankrupt, the market was "ripe for the taking"."

What are some alternatives to saying "ripe for the taking"?

Alternatives to "ripe for the taking" include phrases like "vulnerable to exploitation", "an easy target", or "ready to be seized", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "ripe for the taking" in formal writing?

While "ripe for the taking" is widely understood, it might be considered slightly informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more neutral alternatives like "prime for acquisition" or "susceptible to capture".