stormy waters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stormy waters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe difficult or turbulent situations, often in a personal or professional context. Example: "The company is navigating through stormy waters as it faces financial challenges and increased competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The MCC's next helmsman will have to navigate stormy waters.

The Economist

Surfing the stormy waters off the Wickaninnish Inn.

The New York Times

"These are turbulent times, and sometimes we find ourselves in stormy waters," Ms. Merkel said.

The New York Times

You don't rise to his position without negotiating the stormy waters of Hollywood politics.

The Guardian - Film

Our movement faces stormy waters, but will emerge strong, united and determined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Jones's film, which opens today in Manhattan, tracks Wilco through some stormy waters.

The New York Times

The country's "growth model has been so successful in navigating through the stormy waters of the crisis".

The New York Times

They're in the same leaky boat, the same stormy waters, that frighten and imperil the rest of us.

The New York Times - Books

This is a moment at which the king might, in the past, have stepped in to calm stormy waters.

The New York Times

Nun's qualities were boundlessness, darkness, and the turbulence of stormy waters; these qualities were personified separately by pairs of deities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're in stormy waters indeed," said Jonathan Spyer, a senior research fellow at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stormy waters" to metaphorically describe situations filled with uncertainty, challenges, and potential danger. It's particularly effective when evoking a sense of navigation through difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "stormy waters" to describe actual weather events at sea unless aiming for a deliberately figurative or dramatic effect. Opt for more descriptive terms like "rough seas" or "heavy swells" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stormy waters" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing challenging or turbulent situations metaphorically, referring to periods of difficulty and uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stormy waters" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used metaphorically to describe difficult or turbulent situations. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like ""turbulent times"" or ""rough patch"" exist, "stormy waters" provides a vivid image of navigation through challenges. Remember to avoid overuse in literal contexts and use it to evoke difficulty and potential danger effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turbulent times

Focuses on the temporal aspect of difficulty, implying a period of upheaval rather than a specific crisis.

hard times

A simple and direct way to refer to a period of economic or personal hardship.

troubled times

Emphasizes emotional distress and societal unrest, suitable for describing widespread crises.

testing times

Emphasizes the challenges to resilience and strength during a difficult period.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty, often in personal relationships or projects.

crisis situation

Highlights the urgency and potential danger of a specific event or period.

tough situation

A casual and versatile phrase for describing any problematic scenario.

difficult circumstances

A more general and formal way to describe challenging situations, applicable in various contexts.

challenging environment

Focuses on external factors that create difficulty, often used in business or competitive settings.

adverse conditions

Highlights unfavorable external factors affecting a situation, common in scientific or formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "stormy waters" in a sentence?

You can use "stormy waters" to describe difficult or turbulent situations metaphorically. For example, "The company is navigating "stormy waters" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "stormy waters"?

Alternatives include "turbulent times", "rough patch", or "difficult circumstances", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stormy waters" in formal writing?

Yes, "stormy waters" is appropriate in formal writing when used metaphorically to describe challenging situations. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "stormy waters" and "troubled waters"?

"Stormy waters" emphasizes the turbulent and potentially dangerous nature of a situation, while "troubled waters" focuses more on the problems and unrest involved. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the chaos or the underlying issues.