tricky money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky money" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe money that is difficult to manage, acquire, or understand, often implying some form of deception or complexity involved. Example: "Investing in that startup seemed like a good idea at first, but it turned out to be tricky money that led to unexpected losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Takeesha would probably say about Mr one-glove what another addict said with admiration, when hearing about my Wall Street life: "You made tricky money in a tricky world".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dealing with all of the Trickiest Money Problems between Family and Friends from Serial Borrowers to Serious Cheapskates (Free Press, 2008).

Forbes

Financially, blended or stepfamily dynamics are tricky: his money, her money, ex-spouses, past financial obligations and future ones, too.

BBC

Then there is the tricky question of money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whoever thought I'd find solace in a television programme about God? OK, so Rev is not strictly a show about religion, but it manages to connect with me on all sorts of levels: tricky relationships, addiction, money problems and child-rearing are a neat summation of my life at the moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It will also be an offence for the first time to solicit a donation of greater than £200 from a person not registered on the UK electoral roll - tricky if the money comes from someone donating online from an email address.

The Guardian

Which is tricky, because talking money with Orlandini quickly gets a little surreal.

Forbes

Money is tricky.

The New York Times

"The continent is taking off but it's still a tricky place to make money," he says.

The Economist

He honed his craft by producing, for people lacking education, a collection of model letters suitable for tricky familial situations involving money and sex.

Independent

"Imagine that child smothered in the kind of tricky love that has money attached to each performance, and each performance attached to an adult's gratification or disappointment".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tricky money", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the source of the money, the management of it, or the potential risks associated with it.

Common error

Avoid assuming "tricky money" automatically implies illegality. While it can suggest unethical practices, it often simply denotes complexity or difficulty. Be precise in your language to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky money" functions as an adjective-noun construction, where "tricky" modifies the noun "money". It describes money that is not straightforward and may present challenges or risks. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky money" is a phrase used to describe funds or financial situations that are complex, risky, or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and usable, although relatively rare in usage. While it can imply unethical practices, it often simply denotes complexity, so context is important. Alternatives include phrases like "risky funds" or "complex finances". When employing the phrase, clarity is crucial to avoid misinterpretations and ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Remember that the source of this phrase tends to be from news media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Risky funds

Emphasizes the potential for loss or negative outcomes associated with the money.

Complex finances

Highlights the complicated nature of the financial situation.

Dubious funds

Suggests uncertainty or doubt about the legitimacy or origin of the money.

Questionable money

Similar to dubious, but slightly stronger in implying ethical concerns.

Illicit funds

Implicates illegality and unlawful source of the funds.

Shady money

Suggests underhanded dealings and lack of transparency.

Problematic money

Focuses on the issues or difficulties connected with the money.

Convoluted finances

Highlights the intricate and confusing nature of the financial arrangements.

Difficult money

Simply states that managing or obtaining the money is challenging.

Uncertain funds

Emphasizes the instability or unpredictability of the financial resources.

FAQs

How can "tricky money" be used in a sentence?

You can use "tricky money" to describe situations where finances are complex or difficult to manage. For example: "Investing in that startup seemed like a good idea at first, but it turned out to be "tricky money" that led to unexpected losses."

What are some alternative phrases for "tricky money"?

Alternatives to "tricky money" include "risky funds", "complex finances", or "dubious funds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Does "tricky money" always imply something illegal?

No, "tricky money" doesn't always imply illegal activity. It can also refer to complex or difficult-to-manage finances. If you intend to convey illegality, consider using phrases like "illicit funds" or "shady money".

What's the difference between "tricky money" and "complex finances"?

"Tricky money" often suggests an element of risk, deception, or difficulty in understanding, while "complex finances" simply highlights the intricate nature of the financial situation without necessarily implying negative connotations.