thorny situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorny situation" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a complex or difficult problem; an example sentence using it could be: "I'm trying to think of a solution to this thorny situation, but so far I'm drawing a blank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Still, it was a thorny situation.

The New Yorker

General Bobetko's refusal to go to The Hague prompted nationalists and war veterans to rally to his defense, creating a thorny situation for the current pro-Western government in Croatia, which could have faced sanctions for failing to extradite him.

The New York Times

But universities face a thorny situation in which they must threaten discipline for disruptive conduct, including speech that forecloses other speech, while also protecting student speech that protests other speech.

The New Yorker

But in the end, when there's a difference of opinion about golf procedure or about which rule applies to a thorny situation, the phone will ring at the grand U.S.G.A. headquarters.

The New York Times - Sports

To overcome the equally strong desire to stay under the covers when the temperature drops below 30, I force myself out in a few ways: RUNNING AS THERAPY Exercise is a good way to think through a thorny situation at work or in life.

The New York Times

No doubt Sequoia can also help advise on the potentially thorny situation Kenshoo is in now that its biggest partner (Google) has acquired its biggest competitor (DoubleClick).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He is often hired to help self-managed buildings deal with thorny situations.

The New York Times

The government has chosen Bart M. Schwartz, a former federal prosecutor who is often sought out in such thorny situations.

The New York Times

Later this week, I'll write about how these organizations can intervene in all kinds of thorny situations and help improve the quality of care for older patients.

The New York Times

Mr. Cannavale said he loves their confrontational nature — the blend of poetry, humor and animosity that emerges naturally from the thorny situations in which they find themselves.

The New York Times

It is the best way, she said, for women to dress when faced with thorny situations, like what to wear if you're single and going out with girlfriends on Valentine's Day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thorny situation" when you want to emphasize the complexity and potential for conflict or difficulty in a given set of circumstances. It's particularly effective when the situation involves multiple perspectives or unresolved issues.

Common error

Avoid using "thorny situation" for minor inconveniences. This phrase suggests a significant level of complexity and potential for negative consequences, so reserve it for truly challenging or problematic circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorny situation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'thorny' modifies 'situation', indicating a problem or issue that is complex and difficult to resolve. Ludwig AI also confirms this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorny situation" effectively describes a complex and challenging problem. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English, affirming its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently found in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig's examples, but also appears in science and formal contexts. When writing, ensure the scale of the issue warrants such a description. Alternatives like "difficult predicament" or "complex issue" can be used based on the specific context and emphasis required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troublesome situation

This alternative highlights the difficulty and potential problems associated with the situation.

knotty situation

This emphasizes the intricate and complex nature of the problem.

difficult predicament

This term underscores the challenging and unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

complex issue

This focuses on the many interconnected elements and lack of a straightforward solution.

delicate situation

This suggests that the situation requires careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

awkward situation

This implies that the situation is uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing.

challenging scenario

This emphasizes the demanding and testing aspects of the situation.

complicated matter

This alternative focuses on the intricate and often confusing nature of the situation.

tricky business

This suggests the situation is deceptive or requires careful navigation.

precarious position

This highlights the instability and potential danger involved in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "thorny situation" in a sentence?

You can use "thorny situation" to describe a complex or problematic issue. For example: "Navigating the company's restructuring has proven to be a "thorny situation" for management."

What are some alternatives to "thorny situation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "difficult predicament", "complex issue", or "delicate situation".

Is "thorny situation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Thorny situation" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What makes a situation "thorny"?

A situation is considered "thorny" when it's complicated, involves multiple conflicting interests, and is difficult to resolve without causing further issues or discomfort.