slippery place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slippery place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is physically slippery or metaphorically to indicate a situation that is precarious or risky. Example: "Be careful when walking on the ice; it's a slippery place and you might fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The top of the greasy pole is a slippery place, it will be said, and individuals require some financial security.

The Guardian - Business

I found Roman Britain to be an elusive, slippery place and time, offering up more anxieties and doubts than certainties.

The Guardian - Books

Edward Zwick, the film director and television producer, said that he first met Mr. Gaghan four or five years ago, when the young writer was on the steepest slope of his descent, and that he could tell Mr. Gaghan was "in a slippery place".

The New York Times

But if there is one political book that marks more truly the interesting but slippery place that Ed Miliband's Labour has now reached – while simultaneously showing where it still has to go – it is an altogether less racy tome than the one penned by Gordon Brown's media hitman.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our ten-month old cheetah cubs enjoyed their first taste of snow, chasing each other around the Cheetah Encounter yard that isn't usually a slippery place to be.

Huffington Post

If it is slippery, place down some non-slip mats first, available from dollar stores, bathroom stores, and the like.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It can take you into strange and slippery places.

The New York Times

The religious and moral zeal of the American people has, from the start, combined with the stomach-falling anticipation of the crumbling high perch, of Edwards' "he that walks in slippery places," of Leonardo DiCaprio's startlingly gleeful "Here we go!" as he watches the Titanic capsize beneath him.

Huffington Post

In our study, working in kitchens with obstacles, including height differences, bumps, and slippery places was associated with a higher prevalence of LBP.

BMC Public Health

2) Kitchen conditions score is the sum total of the points such as no rest room, wet floor, poor state of drainage, presence of slippery places, bumps, and obstacles on the floor, and noisy surroundings (1 point each).

BMC Public Health

The kitchen condition score in our study, which included the items such as noisy surroundings, poor state of drainage, and the presence of slippery places, bumps, and obstacles on the floor was associated LBP.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract situations, use "slippery place" to highlight the potential for things to quickly worsen or become uncontrollable. For example: "Compromising ethical standards can lead to a "slippery place" where further compromises become easier."

Common error

While "slippery place" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can dilute its impact. Opt for more precise terms like "unstable situation" or "precarious environment" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slippery place" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "slippery" modifies "place". It describes a location, either literally or figuratively, as being unstable or hazardous. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slippery place" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that can refer to both literal and figurative scenarios involving instability or danger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting that it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When writing, keep in mind that while acceptable, it might be beneficial to use more precise language in formal contexts to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "hazardous location", "precarious position", or "risky situation" may serve as good substitutes depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazardous location

Focuses on the presence of danger or risk in a specific area.

precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse or failure of a situation.

risky situation

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or losses.

dangerous spot

Identifies a specific area or location as posing a threat to safety.

treacherous ground

Implies a deceptive or unreliable surface or situation.

unstable environment

Describes a setting lacking equilibrium or consistency.

perilous state

Underscores the gravity of a dangerous condition.

uncertain ground

Suggests a lack of solid footing or reliable information.

tenuous situation

Emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability of a circumstance.

challenging circumstances

Focuses on the difficulties and demands of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "slippery place" to describe a physical location that is literally slippery or, more often, to describe a situation that is risky or precarious. For example: "The negotiation process became a "slippery place", with both sides unwilling to compromise."

What's a good alternative to "slippery place"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "hazardous location", "precarious position", or "risky situation".

Is it correct to say "slippery slope" instead of "slippery place"?

While related, "slippery slope" refers specifically to a chain of events where an initial action leads to increasingly negative consequences. "Slippery place" is a broader term that can describe a dangerous or unstable situation in general.

Can "slippery place" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "slippery place" can describe a literal slippery surface, such as an icy road, or a figurative situation that is unstable or dangerous. The figurative usage is more common.