tricky waters

USAGE SUMMARY

"tricky waters" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a difficult situation or adverse circumstances. For example: "The political climate has become increasingly tricky waters for the president this election season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's tricky waters to be in.

The Washington Post

This yin and yang activity helps the cells navigate the tricky waters of differentiation and migration.

Stanford University

The skipper of an approaching sailboat was too busy navigating the tricky waters around Hell Gate.

The New York Times

"These are tricky waters to navigate," said Steve Ruddock, a Filemaker spokesman.

The New York Times

Finishing touches are often tricky waters for men to swim in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, we do work remotely and have to navigate those tricky waters.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone, Larne Featuring subtle green slopes, tricky water hazards, and spectacular panoramic views of the Antrim coast.

The Guardian - Travel

Much of the film is devoted to Mr. Stone - sometimes alone, sometimes with his daughter - negotiating tricky water with consummate skill as he explains the function of each stroke used.

The New York Times - Sports

O.J. parred the first three holes and bogied the fourth, which had an extremely tricky water hazard involving timed jets that I suspect were rigged to go off everytime someone other than Dear Leader was shooting.

Forbes

While Seizure won significant praise and gained Hiorns a Turner nomination, the new project takes Artangel into trickier waters.

The Guardian

Cynthia Nixon's primary challenge to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D-N.Y). has meant wading into tricky, controversial waters.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tricky waters" when you want to emphasize the need for careful navigation and awareness in a challenging or uncertain situation. It's particularly effective when discussing strategy or decision-making in complex environments.

Common error

While "tricky waters" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in overly casual conversations. Opt for simpler, more direct language in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky waters" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or circumstance that is difficult, complex, and requires careful navigation. It is often used metaphorically, as Ludwig AI confirms, to highlight the challenges and potential pitfalls involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tricky waters" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that describes a complex or difficult situation requiring careful navigation. As verified by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct. Its frequency is very common, and it appears most often in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a need for caution and strategic thinking. While generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts, avoid overuse in excessively informal settings. Alternatives like "difficult situation" or "sensitive situation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the challenging nature of the circumstances, omitting the navigation metaphor.

precarious position

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the situation.

sensitive situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and awareness.

delicate circumstances

Underscores the fragility and the need for a gentle approach.

challenging environment

Shifts the focus to the overall context and its inherent difficulties.

rough patch

Indicates a temporary period of difficulty or hardship.

treacherous ground

Implies hidden dangers and the risk of making mistakes.

minefield of issues

Suggests multiple potential problems and the need to proceed cautiously.

thorny issue

Focuses on a specific problem that is difficult to resolve.

complex predicament

Highlights the intricate and convoluted nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "tricky waters" to describe a situation that requires careful navigation. For example, "The company is navigating the "tricky waters" of a new market".

What's a more formal synonym for "tricky waters"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "delicate circumstances" or "complex situation" instead of "tricky waters".

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "tricky waters"?

While generally acceptable, "tricky waters" might be too informal for highly technical or scientific writing. Choose a more precise term to accurately convey the complexity of the situation.

How does "tricky waters" differ from "rough seas"?

"Tricky waters" emphasizes the need for skillful navigation and careful decision-making, while "rough seas" focuses more on the turbulent and challenging nature of the situation itself.