tricky plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a plan that is complicated, clever, or requires careful thought to execute successfully. Example: "The team devised a tricky plan to outsmart their competitors during the product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Cuomo, in conversations with confidants, said the mayor was acting like an entitled "king," trying to jam through a politically tricky plan and bullying anyone who objected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

PAGE B1 STARBUCKS'S TRICKY BRANDING PLAN When Starbucks rolls out its breakfast "value meals" on Tuesday, it will be trying to lure the McDonald's crowd, who are concerned about price, and its typical customers, who like the company because it's a luxury.

The New York Times

And even though getting permission to denote a nuclear bomb could be a bit tricky, the plan has its fans.

Science Magazine

Tip #6: It can be tricky to plan a menu around dietary restrictions.

Los Angeles Times

David Stringer of Associated Press described the coverage as "a success...so far, the BBC's ambitious – and technically tricky – Olympic plan has worked almost without a flaw".

Wikipedia

Running an assumptions buffet successfully can be tricky - good planning and practice are rewarded with more robust insights.

The Guardian

David Weaver, the chief executive of Oceanlinx, one of the firms planning to use the Wave Hub, argues that Britain's liberalised and transparent power markets make life easier for newcomers, although others argue that fluctuating power prices make planning tricky.

The Economist

I remember, at this very early stage in my career, working hard at finding a formula for resolving the tricky business of planning and writing top-notch history essays.

The Guardian

During the development of SSX and SSX Tricky, there were plans for both games to allow the player to explore a mountain as well as race and perform tricks, but this was never implemented, and was instead made the focus for SSX 3. EA Canada stated that SSX 3 was designed so "just about anyone can pick up and play".

Wikipedia

Taking care of yourself of course means eating well, carving out time to unwind, and exercising, but it also means staying away from negative people, which gets trickier when you plan your wedding because they tend to creep up out of nowhere.

Huffington Post

Kosovo is the only tricky part of your plan.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tricky plan", ensure the context clearly indicates why the plan is considered tricky, whether it involves complex logistics, ethical considerations, or potential risks. Providing specific details can enhance understanding and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky plan" without explaining the specific challenges. Instead of simply stating that a plan is tricky, elaborate on the complexities, potential pitfalls, or required expertise to give your audience a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky plan" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "tricky" modifies the noun "plan". As Ludwig AI explains, this describes a plan that is complicated, clever, or requires careful thought to execute successfully. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing politically sensitive plans or complex branding strategies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tricky plan" describes a strategy or course of action that requires careful navigation due to its complexity or potential pitfalls. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the term appears most frequently in News & Media sources, highlighting its relevance in describing intricate political or business maneuvers. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clarify why the plan is considered tricky, elaborating on the specific challenges or complexities involved. Alternatives such as "challenging strategy" or "complex scheme" can offer similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging strategy

Emphasizes the difficulty involved in the plan.

complex scheme

Highlights the intricate nature of the plan.

delicate strategy

Focuses on the need for careful handling and precision.

intricate design

Stresses the detailed and elaborate nature of the plan.

thorny proposal

Indicates the plan involves potentially controversial or problematic aspects.

awkward arrangement

Suggests the plan may be difficult to manage or execute smoothly.

convoluted approach

Implies the plan is unnecessarily complex and hard to follow.

precarious project

Highlights the risk and instability associated with the plan.

problematic course

Points to potential issues and obstacles within the plan.

sensitive blueprint

Emphasizes the need for discretion and careful consideration when implementing the plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky plan" to describe a strategy that requires careful execution due to its complexity or potential pitfalls. For instance, "The company devised a "tricky plan" to navigate the regulatory hurdles".

What are some alternatives to "tricky plan"?

Some alternatives include "challenging strategy", "complex scheme", or "delicate strategy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a different aspect of the plan's difficulty or nature.

Is it better to say "difficult plan" or "tricky plan"?

"Difficult plan" and "tricky plan" are similar, but "tricky plan" often implies a need for cleverness or careful maneuvering, while "difficult plan" simply suggests that the plan is hard to accomplish. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tricky plan"?

It's appropriate to use "tricky plan" when describing a strategy or course of action that requires careful thought, skill, or tact to execute successfully, especially when there are potential risks or complications involved. It suggests that the plan is not straightforward and may require some finesse.