touchy work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touchy work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or job that is sensitive, delicate, or requires careful handling due to its emotional or controversial nature. Example: "Dealing with customer complaints can be touchy work, as it often involves addressing sensitive issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hounding delinquent customers is touchy work.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He doesn't get jealous or touchy when I work alongside guys in an office so why should I care about the girls who are at the club?

Vice

In the A8L, these included a touchy throttle that works against smooth starts; one-touch window switches that never performed as expected; and overcomplicated audio and climate controls.

The New York Times

"It is a bit touchy since he works for Apple," Ms. Sheppard wrote, adding that Google had "a nonsolicit agreement with them".

The New York Times - Tech

It's certainly less irksome than director Lynn Shelton's previous work, Touchy-Feely, although a little more of the emotional substance of Your Sister's Sister wouldn't go amiss.

The Guardian - Film

She would be wise to be less touchy and learn to work the system, as the clerk himself has done.

The New York Times - Books

But Jobs is also notoriously touchy and difficult to work with.

TechCrunch

Last season, the show took an ambitious detour, allowing Alicia to pursue public office, a story that ended with her getting slammed down so hard that corporate law probably seemed like touchy-feely pro-bono work when she returned to it.

The New Yorker

Posada said Girardi had also been an ally on what he called "touchy questions" about which catchers work with which pitchers.

The New York Times - Sports

CrackDoubt flaunts her sex work but is touchy about her current and past drug habits.

Vice

After her "Baywatch" babe days, Pamela Anderson made a name for herself with a widely seen sex tape, but that infamous body of work is a touchy subject when it comes to her teenage boys.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project or task as "touchy work", ensure the context clearly indicates why it requires sensitivity or careful handling. Be specific about the potential pitfalls or the individuals involved.

Common error

Avoid using "touchy work" as a generic descriptor for any difficult task. It's most effective when the sensitivity stems from interpersonal dynamics, ethical considerations, or potentially controversial outcomes. Consider using "challenging work" or "difficult task" for situations that are simply complex or demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touchy work" functions as a noun phrase, where "touchy" modifies the noun "work". As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English. The adjective "touchy" characterizes the nature of the "work" being performed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touchy work" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks requiring sensitivity and careful handling. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While categorized as rare in frequency, it appears in reputable news sources. Consider alternative phrases like "sensitive task" or "delicate assignment" for varied contexts. When using "touchy work", ensure the reason for its sensitivity is clear. Overall, "touchy work" is a valid but infrequently used descriptor for delicate and potentially problematic tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive task

Replaces "work" with "task" focusing on a specific activity and "touchy" with "sensitive", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

sensitive matter

Highlights the need for careful handling of a certain situation.

delicate assignment

"Delicate" emphasizes the fragility of the situation, while "assignment" suggests a specific, assigned responsibility.

tricky business

"Tricky" highlights the potential for problems or difficulties, and "business" implies a more general undertaking.

challenging endeavor

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required, portraying the work as a substantial undertaking.

precarious undertaking

"Precarious" emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the work.

complex operation

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the work, often implying a structured process.

awkward situation

Shifts the focus to the overall context, emphasizing the discomfort or difficulty of navigating it.

difficult matter

Presents the work as a problem or issue requiring careful consideration.

demanding responsibility

Highlights the high expectations and level of care required for the work.

FAQs

What does "touchy work" mean?

"Touchy work" refers to tasks or situations that are sensitive, delicate, or require careful handling due to potential emotional or controversial issues.

What can I say instead of "touchy work"?

You can use alternatives like "sensitive task", "delicate assignment", or "tricky business" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "touchy work"?

It's appropriate when describing situations that demand sensitivity, diplomacy, or discretion, especially when dealing with human emotions or ethical dilemmas.

Is "touchy work" formal or informal?

The phrase "touchy work" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both professional and informal settings, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly formal contexts.