tricky affair

USAGE SUMMARY

"tricky affair" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that is complicated or difficult to navigate. Example: "Negotiating the contract turned out to be a tricky affair." Alternative expressions include "challenging situation" and "difficult matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Lobbying, if no longer a capital offence, is still a tricky affair for the many foreign companies trying to make their way in China.

The Economist

Before a New Jersey-born son of a Scottish farmer named John Landis Mason patented his jar in 1858, home-food preservation was a tricky affair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Star De Mohaison is the name but the rain has dampened my enthusiasm a little, so, in a very tricky affair, I'm going to split stakes and back an outsider too in Tot O'Whiskey.

The Guardian - Sport

However, riding Brand Tiger will be a tricky affair.

Forbes

After breaking in the first game of the match, Nadal found his first service game a tricky affair.

BBC

If you're a sea snail, finding a date amid the leaves and twisting branches of Hong Kong's mangrove forests is a tricky affair.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Reunions can be tricky affairs.

The Guardian

Rock 'n' roll road movies are notoriously tricky affairs.

The New York Times

All-star games are tricky affairs, showcasing individual skills and, ideally, fostering good, injury-free competition at midseason.

The New York Times - Sports

Although Carphone Warehouse has experience integrating customers from new acquisitions, Tiscali U.K. may be a trickier affair.

Forbes

Because of the way carriers pay each other in Europe, offering a free texting service in Europe is a much trickier affair than in the U.S.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tricky affair" when you want to convey that a situation is not only difficult but also requires careful navigation and possibly involves hidden complexities.

Common error

While "tricky affair" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal briefs. Consider more neutral alternatives like "complex matter" or "challenging situation" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky affair" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "tricky" modifies the noun "affair". It describes a situation or matter that is complicated, delicate, or requires careful handling. Ludwig AI's analysis of examples confirms its usage in describing intricate situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky affair" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations that are not only difficult but also complex and potentially requiring careful navigation. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on numerous examples from reputable sources, indicates that while grammatically correct and widely accepted, its usage should be tailored to the specific context, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings. Alternative phrases like "difficult situation" or "complicated matter" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

This alternative focuses on the difficulty of the circumstance, omitting the sense of intrigue or complexity that "affair" implies.

complicated matter

This alternative emphasizes the complexity of the issue, downplaying the potential for negative consequences or intrigue.

delicate situation

This alternative stresses the need for careful handling, highlighting the potential for causing offense or damage.

challenging endeavor

This alternative emphasizes the effort and skill required to succeed, framing the situation as a test of one's abilities.

problematic issue

This alternative underscores the presence of problems or obstacles, focusing on the negative aspects of the situation.

complex undertaking

This alternative highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the task at hand, emphasizing the need for careful planning and execution.

precarious undertaking

Implies a higher degree of risk and uncertainty than "tricky affair", suggesting potential for failure or negative outcomes.

sensitive operation

Highlights the need for caution and discretion, particularly in situations involving confidential or confidential information.

thorny problem

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe the problem as something unpleasant and difficult to resolve, suggesting a high degree of resistance.

awkward situation

Suggests discomfort or embarrassment rather than inherent difficulty or complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "tricky affair" in a sentence?

You can use "tricky affair" to describe a situation that is complex and requires careful handling. For example: "Negotiating the contract proved to be a "tricky affair"."

What are some synonyms for "tricky affair"?

Alternatives include "difficult situation", "complicated matter", or "delicate situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tricky affair" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly informal, suitable for news articles and general conversation, but potentially too casual for highly formal academic or legal writing.

When should I avoid using "tricky affair"?

Avoid using "tricky affair" in situations that require highly formal language or when describing situations that are merely simple or straightforward. Consider "complex situation".