slippery ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"slippery ground" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a surface that is difficult to walk or stand on because it is slippery and dangerous. For example, "I had to tread carefully when I walked on the slippery ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But it's slippery ground.

The New Yorker

Yet it suddenly finds itself on slippery ground.

The Economist

Managers who are industry outsiders are on particularly slippery ground.

Harvard Business Review

Even if these essential "Jewish" qualities are praised, the arguments tread on slippery ground.

The New York Times

But you can also see why courts see no automatic connection between protecting free speech and protecting anonymous sources.The journalists are not the only people on slippery ground.

The Economist

Two weeks before that, Mr. Grey was supposed to be on slippery ground when Mr. Redstone undercut him by tossing Tom Cruise off the lot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But after perusing Crunchbase data, you can see plenty of startups that classify themselves on such slippery grounds.

TechCrunch

I actually think that is very slippery ethical ground, and that is one of the reasons why I left the games space.

MIT Technology Review

However, in doing so we are walking on extremely slippery policy ground.

Huffington Post

But whereas Alexander Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," an obvious touchstone for Müller, is an uncomplicated damnation of Stalinist repression, this new novel skates onto slipperier moral ground.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — When the battle for Libya seemed to be slipping into stalemate last week, the British, French and Italians sent "military advisers," a phrase that to much of the world suggests the first step on the slippery slope to ground forces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slippery ground" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the potential for instability or danger. For instance, "Navigating the new regulations is like walking on "slippery ground"; one wrong step could lead to significant penalties."

Common error

Avoid overusing "slippery ground" in situations that only present minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant potential for negative consequences; using it for trivial matters dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slippery ground" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it frequently describes situations of risk or instability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slippery ground" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe precarious or unstable situations. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness and offers numerous examples from diverse sources. While most frequent in news and media, the term finds utility across various domains. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants the implication of risk, and avoid overuse in trivial scenarios. Consider synonyms like "precarious situation" or "unstable footing" to add nuance. By understanding the nuances of its usage, writers can effectively convey caution and potential danger. Finally, remember that "slippery ground" describes an immediate situation, while "slippery slope" indicates a sequence of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

This alternative refers to a situation that is unstable and likely to lead to adverse consequences.

unstable footing

This alternative emphasizes the lack of stability and security in a particular situation.

risky undertaking

This alternative shifts the focus to the inherent risk involved in a particular activity or venture.

treacherous circumstances

This alternative highlights the dangerous and deceptive nature of the surrounding conditions.

hazardous environment

This alternative focuses on the dangerous and potentially harmful nature of the surrounding environment.

dangerous territory

This alternative suggests that one is entering a realm or area fraught with potential harm or risk.

shaky foundation

This alternative emphasizes the lack of a solid or reliable base for something, making it prone to failure.

tenuous position

This alternative conveys the fragility and vulnerability of one's standing or situation.

perilous path

This alternative suggests a course of action or journey that is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

uncertain ground

This alternative focuses on the lack of certainty and predictability in the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "slippery ground" in a sentence?

You can use "slippery ground" to describe both literal and figurative situations. For example, "The icy sidewalk was "slippery ground"" (literal) or "Making assumptions in this negotiation is "slippery ground"" (figurative).

What are some synonyms for "slippery ground"?

Synonyms for "slippery ground" include "precarious situation", "unstable footing", or "risky undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slippery ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "slippery ground" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing situations with significant risk or instability. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "slippery ground" and "slippery slope"?

"Slippery ground" typically refers to an immediate unstable situation, while "slippery slope" describes a chain of events where one action leads to increasingly negative consequences.