thin reed

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin reed" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor for something fragile or flimsy. For example, "The argument in support of this plan is a thin reed on which to hang one’s hopes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

You ask me, "mean reversion" is a pretty thin reed.

The Washington Post

One thin reed is that David O. Russell won the Satellite Award for "Silver Linings Playbook".

The New York Times

Secularism is a very thin reed on which to hang a political society.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, in turn, discouraged firms and households from making long-term investments.His argument rests on a thin reed, however.

The Economist

Basic biology is also a thin reed on which to hang one's humanity and claim to personhood.

The New York Times

See ante, at 4. But this one word is a thin reed on which to rest an implied repeal.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Towering palms did deep bends like thin reeds.

The New York Times

Thin reeds now sprout on the glassy surface.

The Washington Post

"Where there are so many potential threats and thin reeds of information, it's amazing so many plots are prevented.

The Guardian

It is a sign of how weak the share prices of the companies have been that investors could grasp at such thin reeds.

The New York Times

It is upon such thin reeds that Democrats are building their hopes of making even a dent this fall in the Republican Party's 30-to-18 advantage in governorships.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "thin reed" to express skepticism about an argument or situation that appears to lack a solid foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "thin reed" when the subject is merely unconventional or unexpected, rather than genuinely weak or unsustainable. Reserve it for situations where there is a clear and present danger of failure due to inherent flaws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin reed" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests fragility, weakness, or a lack of substance. Examples from Ludwig show its use in critiquing arguments or policies lacking a solid base.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thin reed" is a commonly used metaphor to describe something fragile or unreliable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to express skepticism and is often used to critique arguments or policies lacking a solid foundation. When using this phrase, avoid overstating the fragility and reserve it for cases where a genuine weakness is present. Consider alternatives like "flimsy support" or "fragile foundation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flimsy support

Emphasizes the lack of substantial backing or strength.

fragile foundation

Highlights the vulnerability and potential for collapse.

weak argument

Focuses on the lack of logical strength and persuasiveness.

tenuous basis

Suggests a very slight or shaky justification.

precarious foothold

Implies an unstable and easily lost position.

shaky premise

Highlights the instability of the initial assumption.

dubious assumption

Focuses on the uncertainty and questionable nature of the belief.

slight chance

Emphasizes the low probability of success or occurrence.

remote possibility

Suggests a distant and unlikely prospect.

meager hope

Highlights the scarcity and fragility of optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "thin reed" in a sentence?

You can use "thin reed" to describe something insubstantial or unreliable, for example: "His claim that the economy is improving is a "thin reed" on which to base his re-election campaign".

What is the meaning of "thin reed"?

The phrase "thin reed" is a metaphor for something fragile, weak, or unreliable, often used to describe an argument or a hope that is unlikely to succeed. It implies a lack of solid foundation or support.

What can I say instead of "thin reed"?

Alternatives to "thin reed" include "flimsy support", "fragile foundation", or "weak argument", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "thin reed"?

It's appropriate to use "thin reed" when you want to express doubt about the strength or reliability of something, such as a plan, an idea, or a justification. It's suitable when the subject is likely to fail or collapse due to its inherent weakness.