solve a conundrum

USAGE SUMMARY

"solve a conundrum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone attempting to solve a complex puzzle or riddle. For example, "The mayor was challenged to solve a conundrum only a few wise men could figure out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ever since he arrived in the Élysée Palace last year, François Hollande has been trying to solve a conundrum: how to adopt the right stance towards Moscow.

The Guardian

This year's most impressive sets from LG and Samsung are not only 4K but curved, like the screen in a cinema, and solve a conundrum that's plagued 4K since its consumer inception - where's the 4K content? - by incorporating 4K streaming services from the likes of Netflix.

Independent

So too will Luke Wright once his Indian Premier League commitments are over, as his ability to bat at number six will solve a conundrum that Sussex often struggled with last season.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's similar to the system in Uncharted, where characters will eventually explain to Nathan the way to solve a particular conundrum.

The Guardian - Tech

And the showings — along with some accompanying "Avatar Day" hoopla around a Ubisoft game poster, a Mattel toy line and a more conventional trailer released online on Thursday — were meant to help Fox solve a marketing conundrum.

The New York Times

The secret of the comedy lies in the paradox of painstaking exaggeration (as if the diner were trying to crack a safe, or solve a philosophical conundrum), enforced by Sebald's calm control of apparently ponderous diction ("operation").

The New Yorker

For example, nervous systems effectively solve an important conundrum: allow synaptic plasticity without compromising the stability and integrity of the system.

European Journal of Futures Research

There may be great intellectual kudos in beating the competition to solve a highly complex conundrum concerning the American economy, but relatively little in understanding the nuts and bolts of a less developed country.

The Economist

There is an interesting intersection at play here, between the subscription model and the usage of scale to solve a long-running conundrum.

TechCrunch

The idea of inflatable spacecraft dates back almost to the beginning of the space age, solving a stubborn conundrum with putting stuff in space.

The New York Times - Science

In building the new house, Mrs. Talbot solved an ancient conundrum: the wish to be near the family but to live independently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solve a conundrum" when you want to convey the idea of addressing a particularly perplexing or intricate problem that requires careful thought and ingenuity to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "solve a conundrum" in situations where a simpler phrase like "solve a problem" would suffice. Using it too often can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solve a conundrum" functions as a verb phrase where "solve" is the transitive verb and "a conundrum" is the direct object. It describes the action of finding a solution to a complex or puzzling problem, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solve a conundrum" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe finding a solution to a particularly complex or puzzling problem. While Ludwig AI indicates this is a valid phrase, its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the level of formality and complexity implied by "conundrum", and consider whether a simpler alternative like "solve a problem" might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives as provided here if the nuance isn't quite right or if your source has a specific tone you are trying to match.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an issue

Replaces "conundrum" with "issue", implying a more general problem.

find a solution to a dilemma

Replaces "conundrum" with "dilemma", suggesting a situation with difficult choices.

figure out a puzzle

Uses "puzzle" instead of "conundrum", suggesting a more playful or intellectual challenge.

address a challenge

Presents the problem as a challenge to be overcome.

crack a difficult problem

Emphasizes the difficulty of the problem being solved.

work out a complex question

Emphasizes the intellectual effort required to solve the problem.

decipher a mystery

Suggests uncovering something hidden or unknown.

unravel a complex issue

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the issue being addressed.

untangle a knotty situation

Implies a complex and intertwined problem.

get to the bottom of a problem

Focuses on understanding the fundamental cause of the problem.

FAQs

What does "solve a conundrum" mean?

To "solve a conundrum" means to find a solution to a puzzling or difficult problem. A conundrum is a riddle, dilemma, or anything that is perplexing or confusing.

How can I use "solve a conundrum" in a sentence?

You can use "solve a conundrum" when referring to someone attempting to find an answer to a complex issue, for instance: "The scientist worked tirelessly to solve the scientific conundrum."

What are some alternatives to "solve a conundrum"?

Alternatives include phrases like "resolve an issue", "figure out a puzzle", or "crack a difficult problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "solve a problem" or "solve a conundrum"?

"Solve a problem" is more general and suitable for everyday situations. "Solve a conundrum" is more appropriate when the problem is particularly complex or puzzling, implying a greater intellectual challenge.