that was slick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was slick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compliment someone on their cleverness or skill in executing a task or maneuver. Example: "The way you handled that negotiation was impressive; that was slick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Just as Park received the ball, Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs lost his footing on grass that was slick after being watered to enable the ball to roll.

The New York Times

"Bringing in someone who grew up in public housing, with a rags-to-riches story, who could identify with Brooklyn and African-Americans, that was slick," said City Councilwoman Letitia James, a critic of the project.

The New York Times

It was also arguably the smartphone that turbo-charged the Android ecosystem — by pairing it with high-end hardware to die for, and a software topper that was slick enough to compete with iOS.

TechCrunch

19 mins: Now that was slick from Wolfsburg.

The Guardian - Sport

That was slick; that was tricky; that was a power player making a move that other politicians well recognize as laying out the power lines of the "McCain middle".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You start with Diller + Scofidio, which is about the New York that is slick and cool.

The New York Times - Arts

The members croon their lyrics instead of speaking them, creating songs that are slick, sprightly and tuneful.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was fascinated by how a fabric that's slick and technical could also look fluid and feminine," Reed Krakoff says, referring to the metallic cellophane-silk dress in his upcoming collection.

The New York Times

There were presentations today that were slick and funny but failed to succinctly explain the product, while otherwise were softly spoken and modest but quietly impressive at the same time.

The Guardian - Tech

Returning to make a mockery of the series title for a fifth time, Cruise ploughs through Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, a sequel that is slick with silliness, but peppered with enough wit and peril to sustain the franchise's momentum.

The Guardian - Film

But I savoured my own vulnerability on the cliffs that were slick with rain, past the Notre Dame de la Garde chapel and down the ladder to the beach.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was slick" to express admiration for someone's cleverness or skill, especially in a situation that requires finesse or quick thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "that was slick" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as too informal or casual. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "that was astute" or "that was skillful" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

That was slick functions as an interjection or a short declarative phrase expressing approval or admiration. It acknowledges and praises a clever, skillful, or smoothly executed action. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

That was slick is a short phrase used to express admiration for someone's cleverness or skill. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare and primarily found in news and media contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's best used in informal settings and may be too casual for formal or professional communication. Consider using alternatives like "that was clever" or "that was smooth" in more formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was clever

Replaces "slick" with "clever", emphasizing intelligence and ingenuity.

that was smooth

Substitutes "slick" with "smooth", highlighting the effortless and polished nature of the action.

that was astute

Uses "astute" instead of "slick", focusing on the sharpness and insightfulness of the action.

that was ingenious

Replaces "slick" with "ingenious", emphasizing the creativity and inventiveness involved.

that was adroit

Substitutes "slick" with "adroit", highlighting skill and dexterity.

that was deft

Uses "deft" in place of "slick", focusing on the quick and skillful nature of the action.

that was a smart move

Expresses a similar sentiment but with a different structure, focusing on the strategic advantage.

that was a cunning plan

Highlights the strategic and sometimes deceptive aspect, if applicable.

that was well played

Similar meaning but highlights the competitive context if there is one.

that was a neat trick

Emphasizes the element of surprise or skillful manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "that was slick" in a sentence?

"That was slick" is used to express admiration for a clever or skillful action. For example, "The way you negotiated that deal, "that was slick"!"

What's a more formal way to say "that was slick"?

In more formal contexts, you could say "that was astute", "that was skillful", or "that was ingenious" to convey a similar meaning with a more refined tone.

Is "that was slick" appropriate in professional communication?

While "that was slick" can be used among colleagues in a relaxed environment, it's generally better to opt for more professional alternatives like "that was clever" or "that was smooth" in formal business settings.

When is it best to use "that was slick"?

"That was slick" is most appropriate in informal settings or when communicating with people you know well. It's useful when you want to express admiration for someone's quick thinking or skillful execution in a casual way.