treacherous waters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "treacherous waters" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe dangerous or deceitful situations or conditions, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: The company navigated through the treacherous waters of the stock market, making careful and calculated decisions to avoid losses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Treacherous waters indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

These are treacherous waters for elected officials.

The New York Times

Huckabee has dipped his toe into such treacherous waters before.

The Guardian

"We're not out of treacherous waters yet," he said.

The Guardian

The bridge carries trains over some of the most treacherous waters around Manhattan.

The New York Times

"They talk about the treacherous, treacherous waters and how fierce the waves can be.

The New York Times

In these treacherous waters, though, Mr Letwin is faring better than most.

The Economist

Those are skills they say he will need to navigate the treacherous waters of Iranian politics.

The New York Times

Bate was tutored in the treacherous waters surrounding Hughes during a fraught writing process.

Independent

He said the government's divisions were leading Britain into "very treacherous waters".

The Guardian

It is now navigating the treacherous waters of London's transport politics.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "treacherous waters" to vividly describe situations fraught with hidden dangers or unpredictable challenges, both literally and figuratively. Remember, it paints a picture of navigating something complex and risky.

Common error

Avoid using "treacherous waters" for minor inconveniences or simple problems. Its strength lies in conveying significant risk and complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "treacherous waters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement within a sentence. It serves to describe a situation or environment characterized by danger, difficulty, or risk. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correctly and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "treacherous waters" effectively conveys a sense of danger and difficulty, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe risky situations. Its register is generally neutral, lending itself to both formal and informal contexts. Usage is very common, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, consider its scope to accurately represent significant challenges. Alternatives include "perilous situation" or "risky undertaking" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perilous situation

Focuses on the dangerous nature of the circumstances.

risky undertaking

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes in a project or venture.

dangerous game

Emphasizes the high stakes and potential consequences.

difficult straits

Indicates a challenging and problematic situation.

hazardous environment

Focuses on the unsafe conditions of a particular setting.

precarious position

Highlights the instability and vulnerability of a situation.

turbulent times

Refers to a period of instability and upheaval.

minefield of problems

Implies numerous hidden dangers and potential issues.

uncharted territory

Suggests a lack of knowledge or experience in a specific area.

thorny issue

Focuses on a particularly complex and sensitive matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "treacherous waters" to describe both literal dangerous seas and metaphorical situations filled with risk, for example, "The company navigated the "treacherous waters" of the merger process".

What's a good alternative to "treacherous waters"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "perilous situation", "risky undertaking", or "dangerous game".

Is "treacherous waters" always used metaphorically?

No, "treacherous waters" can refer to actual dangerous bodies of water, but it's also frequently used to describe difficult or risky situations metaphorically.

What makes "treacherous waters" a strong descriptive phrase?

The phrase evokes a vivid image of hidden dangers and the skill needed to navigate them successfully, making it a powerful way to describe challenging circumstances.