slender reed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slender reed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is fragile or weak, often in the context of relying on something that may not be stable or strong. Example: "In times of crisis, relying on a slender reed like public opinion can lead to disastrous decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This is indeed a slender reed for the Court's position.

Cornell University

Yet the Third Military Reconstruction Act was always a slender reed for such lofty hopes.

The Washington Post

This flawed science is the slender reed upon which the entire defense of thimerosal rests.

The New York Times

Hanging hopes for change on whether the royal family fears a public-relations disaster is a slender reed.

The New York Times

From this slender reed, the Romney campaign incorrectly claims that all fact checkers dispute Obama on auto bailout claims.

The Washington Post

FROM the day it was born in 1996, the PalmPilot has been a slender reed resisting the winds of complexity.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But these are slender reeds of hope.

Yale University

Bluets posed primly on slender reeds, and three stocky little Eastern amberwings chased one another around choice perches.

The New York Times - Science

Fresh from a run-in with a rival, Jimmy and his friend Tug take a route home that seems to blend the present and the distant past as they leave the streets of Glanbeigh behind: "Slender reeds brush against one another as cleanly as freshly whetted blades.

The Guardian - Books

The vote was 3 to 3, "and so the Chief Judge voted against sustaining the complaint because it was the first such complaint and he thought a close vote was too slender a reed upon which to proceed.

The Washington Post

The new statute amended another subsection of the section containing the waiver provision, and the reports refer to that amendment as the 'only material change from existing law.' 9 Respondent argues that the change regarding waiver was probably thought not 'material.' Inferences from legislative history cannot rest on so slender a reed.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "slender reed" with verbs like "rely on", "lean on", or "depend on" to effectively convey the act of placing trust in something fragile.

Common error

Avoid using "slender reed" in contexts where strength or resilience is needed. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Choose a more appropriate metaphor when describing something intended to endure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slender reed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies something weak or unreliable. It's commonly used to describe arguments, hopes, or resources that are not substantial or dependable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

18%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slender reed" is a common and grammatically sound metaphorical expression used to describe something weak or unreliable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most frequently found in news and academic contexts, serving to express doubt or caution about the stability of an argument, resource, or hope. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly signals the intended fragility. While versatile, "slender reed" is best suited for neutral to formal registers, adding nuance and depth to descriptions of precariousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile support

Emphasizes the delicate and easily broken nature of the support.

weak foundation

Highlights the instability and potential for collapse of the base.

tenuous resource

Focuses on the limited and uncertain availability or effectiveness of the resource.

flimsy basis

Underlines the lack of substance and strength in the underlying reason or justification.

precarious foothold

Suggests an unstable and easily lost position or advantage.

unreliable crutch

Points out the inability to depend on the support for consistent help.

shaky premise

Highlights the flawed and questionable nature of the initial assumption.

fragile hope

Emphasizes the vulnerability and easiness with which the hope can be shattered.

insubstantial aid

Focuses on the limited amount and impact of the assistance provided.

meager defense

Highlights the inadequacy and weakness of the protective measure.

FAQs

How can I use "slender reed" in a sentence?

You can use "slender reed" to describe something unreliable or weak. For example: "His argument rested on a "slender reed" of evidence."

What does "slender reed" mean?

The phrase "slender reed" is a metaphor for something that is weak, fragile, or unreliable. It suggests that whatever is being described is not strong enough to support a particular burden or expectation.

What can I say instead of "slender reed"?

You can use alternatives like "fragile support", "weak foundation", or "tenuous resource" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something 'relies on a slender reed'?

Yes, saying something 'relies on a slender reed' is grammatically correct and conveys the idea that it depends on something weak or unreliable. This usage is consistent with the metaphorical meaning of the phrase.