smacks of desperation

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use "smacks of desperation" in written English.
It is an idiom usually used to describe another person's behavior that is desperate or overly eager. For example: "The candidate's last-minute attack ads smacked of desperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such an abrupt reversal smacks of desperation.

The New Yorker

It also smacks of desperation.

The New York Times

It all smacks of desperation.

The Guardian - Sport

"To me, that smacks of desperation".

The New Yorker

It smacks of desperation not confidence.

The Guardian

Her husband's resort to campaign stratagems also smacks of desperation.

The Economist

But from an outside perspective, it smacks of desperation".

The Guardian

Its latest idea of putting Russia's central bank in charge of growth smacks of desperation.

The Economist

Of the new release of e-mails, Dr. Schmidt said, "It smacks of desperation".

The New York Times - Science

But Jonathan Samuels, chief executive of Dragonfly Property Finance, said the scheme "smacks of desperation".

Independent

Nothing smacks of desperation so much as wanting to be liked.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smacks of desperation" to describe actions or strategies that seem excessively eager or are perceived as a last-ditch effort to achieve a goal. This phrasing is particularly effective when you want to imply a negative judgment about the approach being taken.

Common error

Avoid using "smacks of desperation" repeatedly in a short span of text. Overuse can weaken its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "reeks of desperation" or "suggests a desperate measure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smacks of desperation" functions as a predicative expression, modifying a subject by ascribing to it the quality of appearing desperate. Ludwig's examples show it is often used to evaluate actions, strategies or behaviors, suggesting they are perceived as last-ditch efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smacks of desperation" is a commonly used idiom to critically assess actions or strategies, suggesting they appear to be last-ditch efforts born out of a lack of better alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective for conveying skepticism or disapproval, overuse should be avoided. Related phrases such as "reeks of desperation" or "suggests a desperate measure" can offer variety. When writing, using this phrase accurately and purposefully can add depth and nuance to your evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reeks of desperation

Emphasizes a strong, unpleasant impression of desperation.

stinks of desperation

Similar to "reeks of desperation", but perhaps slightly more informal.

smells of desperation

A more literal and less intense version of "reeks of desperation".

suggests a desperate measure

Focuses on the action being a sign of desperation, rather than an overall impression.

betrays a sense of panic

Highlights the underlying fear and anxiety driving the desperate action.

indicates a last resort

Implies that all other options have been exhausted, leading to a desperate attempt.

has the hallmarks of a desperate attempt

Emphasizes the telltale signs that reveal the attempt is born out of desperation.

is indicative of a crisis

Suggests a deeper, underlying problem that necessitates desperate action.

exhibits signs of flailing

Conveys an image of someone struggling wildly and ineffectively.

screams desperation

More forceful and attention-grabbing than other alternatives.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "smacks of desperation" in a sentence?

Use "smacks of desperation" to express that a particular action or behavior gives the impression of being a last-ditch effort, often implying a lack of better options or a sense of panic. For instance, "His sudden change of strategy "smacks of desperation"" suggests the change wasn't well-thought-out.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "smacks of desperation"?

Alternatives include "reeks of desperation", "suggests a desperate measure", or "indicates a last resort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "smacks of desperation" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to critically evaluate an action or decision, implying it's not well-considered and possibly ill-advised due to a perceived lack of viable alternatives. It carries a negative connotation, so use it when you want to express skepticism or disapproval.

What is the difference between saying something "smacks of desperation" versus saying it "is a desperate measure"?

"Smacks of desperation" implies an appearance or impression of desperation without definitively stating it as fact. It suggests a perception or suspicion. "Is a desperate measure" is a more direct and assertive statement, confirming that the action is, in fact, desperate.