touch-and-go

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch-and-go" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means brief and uncertain, on the verge of succeeding or failing. Example sentence: His job interview was a touch-and-go affair; he was not sure if he would get the job or not.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's a touch-and-go existence.

The New York Times

The marathon meetings were touch-and-go.

The New York Times - Books

It was touch-and-go even before the game today".

The New York Times - Sports

But all the touch-and-go begins to feel gruelling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

THINGS were touch-and-go at Glamour on July 3.

The New York Times

"It was a bit touch-and-go either way.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is touch, and go.

The Economist

It was touch and go.

The Economist

It is sort of touch and go.

Independent

It was touch and go tennis.

The New York Times

But it was touch and go.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch-and-go" to describe situations where the outcome is highly uncertain and could swing either way. For example, "The negotiations were touch-and-go until the last minute."

Common error

Avoid using "touch-and-go" when the situation is merely inconvenient or mildly uncertain. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine risk or high stakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch-and-go" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe situations or conditions characterized by uncertainty and risk. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touch-and-go" functions as an adjective to describe situations marked by uncertainty and risk. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it is frequent in news media to convey precariousness. Alternatives include "uncertain outcome" and "on a knife-edge". Use "touch-and-go" when a situation's result is genuinely doubtful, and avoid it in contexts that are merely inconvenient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a knife-edge

Conveys a sense of being in a very close or critical situation with an uncertain outcome.

hanging in the balance

Similar to "on a knife-edge", but often used for situations that involve important decisions or consequences.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

in a critical state

Used when something is seriously ill or injured and not expected to live or get better.

uncertain outcome

Focuses on the unpredictability of the result, rather than the process itself.

a close call

Often indicates narrowly avoiding disaster or negative outcome.

risky proposition

Emphasizes the potential for loss or failure.

chancy situation

Informal way to express something that depends on luck or chance.

iffy situation

More informal and suggests doubt or skepticism about the outcome.

delicate balance

Suggests a state where even a small change can lead to significant consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "touch-and-go" in a sentence?

You can use "touch-and-go" to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain and could either succeed or fail. For example: "The patient's condition was "touch-and-go" after the surgery."

What is the difference between "touch-and-go" and "risky"?

"Touch-and-go" implies uncertainty and a fluctuating situation, while "risky" simply indicates the potential for danger or negative consequences. A "risky situation" might have a predictable negative outcome, whereas a "touch-and-go" situation's outcome is genuinely in doubt.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "touch-and-go"?

Alternatives to "touch-and-go" include "uncertain outcome", "precarious situation", or "on a knife-edge", depending on the specific context.

Is "touch-and-go" appropriate for formal writing?

"Touch-and-go" is generally acceptable in most contexts, but for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "critical state" or "unstable condition" to convey a more serious or professional tone.