skirt the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skirt the problem" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to avoid or ignore a difficult or sensitive issue. Example: Instead of addressing the issue directly, the politician skirted the problem by talking about unrelated topics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To attract enough older people -- who do not always act rationally when it comes to insurance -- and thereby skirt the problem of adverse selection.

The New York Times

But not only does the OWS experiment skirt the problem of pluralism through self-selection, the ideological homogeneity of self-selection may make deliberation tend toward extremism, as Cass Sunstein's important work on deliberation and group polarisation shows.

The Economist

Mr. Obama could skirt the problem of who could best represent him in initial talks with Iran by appointing a high-level presidential envoy who would report directly to him.

The New York Times

Manufacturers of high-definition TV's have tried to skirt the problem by offering various special screen "modes," all of which amount to some stretching, scrunching or otherwise fouling up of the geometry of the analog picture so that it will fit the wide-screen shape.

The New York Times - Tech

However, if you over-condition your tack, it will get greasy and the stitching and leather fibers can deteriorate; frequent, light conditioning will skirt the problem.

WikiHow

And, Martin O'Malley's proposals focus on issues that skirt the problem but do not fully address it: from creating national guidelines for police use of force to reducing solitary confinement to ending the death penalty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We strongly applaud your forthrightness in confronting rather than skirting the problem of racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the last month or so, without John Maine available, they have found ways of skirting the problem with strategic planning.

The New York Times

Naylor has skirted the problem of writing about such fast-changing politics by taking a more distant geographical and chronological perspective.

The Guardian

Actually, they've skirted the problem by requiring a cellular base station to be installed in the aircraft itself.Instead of covering hundreds of square miles, this airborne "picocell" broadcasts within the cabin and little further.

The Economist

The embassy skirted the problem by knocking through to a new entrance on a street named after Persian poet Ferdowsi, an Iranian hero and so safe from future change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skirt the problem" when you want to convey that someone is avoiding a direct confrontation with an issue, often temporarily or strategically.

Common error

Avoid using "skirt the problem" when you actually mean to convey that the problem was resolved or addressed directly. "Skirting" implies avoidance, not a solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skirt the problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of avoidance. It describes the act of evading or not directly addressing an issue. As per Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skirt the problem" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon idiom used to describe the act of avoiding or evading a direct confrontation with an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various sources. It's important to note that "skirting" a problem implies avoidance, not resolution. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various forms of communication. When using the phrase, consider whether you are accurately conveying a sense of strategic avoidance, and not implying that the issue has been resolved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid the issue

Focuses on evasion by not dealing with it directly.

sidestep the difficulty

Implies skillful maneuvering to avoid the problem.

evade the question

Specifically refers to avoiding a direct response or inquiry.

bypass the obstacle

Suggests finding a way around the problem without confronting it.

gloss over the matter

Indicates a superficial treatment of the problem to minimize its importance.

dance around the subject

Implies indirect communication and avoidance of the core issue.

finesse the situation

Suggests using tact and skill to avoid a problem or difficult situation.

circumvent the regulation

Specifically implies finding a legal or technical way to avoid a rule or law.

hedge the bet

Implies taking precautions to mitigate potential problems or risks.

duck the responsibility

Emphasizes avoiding accountability or blame for a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "skirt the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "skirt the problem" to describe how someone is avoiding a difficult issue, such as: "Instead of addressing the budget shortfall directly, the committee chose to "skirt the problem" with temporary measures."

What does it mean to "skirt the problem"?

To "skirt the problem" means to avoid dealing with it directly, often by finding a way around it or ignoring it temporarily. It implies not facing the issue head-on.

What are some alternatives to "skirt the problem"?

Alternatives include "avoid the issue", "sidestep the difficulty", or "evade the question", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "skirt the problem" or address it directly?

Whether to "skirt the problem" or address it directly depends on the situation. Sometimes, avoiding a problem temporarily can be a strategic move, but in other cases, it's important to confront the issue head-on to find a lasting solution.