treacherous ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"treacherous ground" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest a difficult or dangerous situation or path. For example, "Crossing the icy lake was treacherous ground for the hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This is treacherous ground.

The New York Times

Pollsters tread treacherous ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it is treacherous ground for Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

This is treacherous ground for any Vice-President.

The New Yorker

But they are walking old and treacherous ground.

The New York Times

America is offering intelligence and logistics support.But military campaigns are treacherous ground.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

All sides have treaded carefully over the treacherous political ground surrounding the shrine.

The New York Times

The silence of many prominent Democrats reflects their conclusion that the president is on treacherous political ground and that attacking him would permit the White House to dismiss the criticism as partisan politics-as-usual, a senior Democratic aide said.

The New York Times

While many French writers lined up on one side or the other of what had been an intellectual civil war that predated the Nazi invasion, others operated in the vast and often treacherous middle ground between the two, becoming known as the "attentistes".

The New York Times - Arts

An important note: "The Bachelor"'s ubiquitous pool parties can be treacherous sartorial ground for contestants.

Huffington Post

Reporting from Washington -- The Obama administration, already on treacherous political ground because of its outreach to traditional adversaries such as Iran and Cuba, has opened the door a crack to engagement with the militant group Hamas.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "treacherous ground", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the danger or difficulty. Be specific about what makes the ground 'treacherous' to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "treacherous ground" in overly simplistic or literal contexts where the danger is minimal or easily avoided. Reserve it for situations involving genuine risk or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "treacherous ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe situations, topics, or courses of action that are risky, dangerous, or difficult to navigate. As shown in Ludwig, it can modify a verb (e.g. 'treading on treacherous ground') or act as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "treacherous ground" is a noun phrase used metaphorically to describe risky or dangerous situations. According to Ludwig, it serves to warn caution and often appears in news and formal writing, signaling potentially hidden dangers. While grammatically correct, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple or literal contexts. Alternatives like "dangerous territory" or "risky proposition" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources reinforces its suitability for sophisticated communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dangerous territory

Focuses more on the potential for harm or negative consequences in a specific area or situation.

risky proposition

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential for failure or loss associated with a particular course of action.

perilous situation

Highlights the imminent threat of danger or harm.

hazardous area

Refers specifically to a location with known dangers or risks.

precarious position

Indicates a state of instability and vulnerability.

uncertain path

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and potential difficulties in a journey or endeavor.

minefield

Implies that the situation is full of hidden dangers and potential problems.

uncharted waters

Implies the situation is new, unknown, and potentially risky.

difficult situation

Points out that the situation is complex and potentially problematic.

sensitive issue

Highlights the need for careful and tactful handling of a potentially controversial topic.

FAQs

How can I use "treacherous ground" in a sentence?

You can use "treacherous ground" to describe a situation or topic that is difficult or dangerous to navigate. For example, "Discussing politics at Thanksgiving dinner can be "treacherous ground"".

What are some alternatives to "treacherous ground"?

Alternatives include "dangerous territory", "risky proposition", or "perilous situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "treacherous ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "treacherous ground" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing complex or risky situations. Its use in publications like The New York Times and The Economist demonstrates its suitability for professional and academic contexts.

What makes something "treacherous ground" rather than simply "difficult"?

"Treacherous ground" implies more than just difficulty; it suggests hidden dangers, potential for serious missteps, and a need for extreme caution. Something that is simply "difficult" might require effort, but "treacherous ground" carries an element of risk and potential harm.