sitting pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

"sitting pretty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means that one is content and satisfied with a particular situation they are in, as if they are enjoying a position of safety or success. For example, "With a new job and a comfortable home, John is sitting pretty these days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And here too America is sitting pretty.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Mr Bush is sitting pretty.

The Economist

"We are sitting pretty now," she said.

The New York Times

Personally, Mr. Messier is hardly sitting pretty.

The New York Times

Again, the responsible parties are sitting pretty.

The New York Times

For the moment Mr Blair is sitting pretty on Europe.

The Economist

At this stage, though, Clinton is sitting pretty.

The New Yorker

You'd be sitting pretty, with nothing in the world to.

The New Yorker

Either way, Ms Sturgeon looks to be sitting pretty.

The Economist

Without this economic crisis we'd be sitting pretty".

The New York Times - Arts

On the driving strength the team are sitting pretty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sitting pretty" to describe a situation where someone is currently enjoying an advantage or benefit, especially if it seems secure and unlikely to change soon.

Common error

Avoid using "sitting pretty" to describe a situation that is likely to change rapidly or is inherently unstable. The phrase implies a degree of permanence or stability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting pretty" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being in a comfortable or advantageous situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sitting pretty" is a common and correct idiom used to describe someone in a fortunate or advantageous situation, frequently related to financial security. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and well-established. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, but also appears in Formal & Business contexts. While its tone leans towards informal, it's versatile enough for neutral communication. Remember to use it when describing a current and somewhat stable advantage, and be mindful of its implications of security. Overall, "sitting pretty" is a valuable expression to add color and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing well

A simple and general way to say that someone is successful or in a good state.

in a favorable situation

A more general term, applicable to a wider range of advantageous circumstances.

in good shape

Implies that someone or something is in a healthy or advantageous condition.

in a comfortable position

Emphasizes ease and lack of stress, focusing on comfort more than advantage.

well-off

Focuses on financial status, implying a comfortable level of wealth.

living on easy street

Specifically implies financial comfort and ease, often suggesting a lack of effort.

prospering

Indicates ongoing success and growth, rather than a static state of comfort.

having it made

Suggests that someone has achieved success and can now relax and enjoy the benefits.

in clover

An idiom indicating a state of prosperity and well-being.

on top of the world

Expresses a feeling of great happiness and success, often in a broader sense than just financial security.

FAQs

How can I use "sitting pretty" in a sentence?

You can use "sitting pretty" to describe someone in a fortunate or advantageous situation. For instance, "After landing that promotion, she's "sitting pretty" now."

What does "sitting pretty" mean?

"Sitting pretty" means to be in a favorable or advantageous position, often financially secure or successful.

What are some alternatives to "sitting pretty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a comfortable position", "in a favorable situation", or "living on easy street", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sitting pretty" a formal or informal expression?

"Sitting pretty" is considered an informal idiom. It's suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing but may not be appropriate for highly professional or academic contexts.