trouble brews

USAGE SUMMARY

'trouble brews' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a warning that something bad is about to happen or that a difficult situation is beginning to develop. For example: "I sense that trouble brews if we don't sort out our differences soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's when trouble brews".

The New York Times - Sports

Trouble brews in the kingdom, too.

The Economist

When trouble brews and voices are raised, he retreats to his library, where none may enter without his permission.

The Guardian - Books

The Conservatives, with some notable exceptions, are all too ready to reach for the statute book or the prison cell when trouble brews.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Elena seems more like an older sister than a prospective lover, romance eventually flowers between her and Alex at the same time that trouble brews elsewhere.

The New York Times

The most motley among them is Jordan Hands, nephew of Treasure Island's Israel Hands – who was killed by Jim Hawkins Sr – and around whom and through whom a little squall of trouble brews.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But others see trouble brewing.

The New York Times

But there was trouble brewing.

The Guardian

Not here.' " There's other trouble brewing.

The New Yorker

And there is more trouble brewing.

The Guardian

There's trouble brewing in Canada.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trouble brews" to add a touch of foreboding or dramatic flair to your writing, suggesting that a problematic situation is subtly developing and may soon escalate.

Common error

Avoid using "trouble brews" in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable in news and media, it can sound out of place in academic papers or business reports. Opt for more direct and professional language in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trouble brews" functions as an idiom, indicating that a problematic situation is developing or is likely to occur soon. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is often used to create a sense of foreboding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trouble brews" is a grammatically sound phrase used to signal the development of a problematic situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and explains it is more suitable for journalism than professional or scientific contexts. While "uncommon" in frequency, it effectively conveys a sense of impending difficulty and is primarily found in news and media sources. Related phrases include "problems are brewing" and "a crisis is looming". When using this phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problems are brewing

Uses 'problems' instead of 'trouble', maintaining the 'brewing' metaphor.

difficulties are emerging

Replaces the metaphor with a more literal description of difficulties arising.

danger is on the horizon

Uses 'danger' to highlight the potential severity of the situation.

storm clouds are gathering

Employs a different weather-related metaphor to suggest an approaching crisis.

a bad situation is developing

Provides a more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

conflict is emerging

Specifies the type of trouble as a conflict, which is a more specific kind of trouble.

tensions are escalating

Highlights the increasing severity of the trouble and indicates existing tensions.

a crisis is looming

Focuses on the impending nature of a crisis without using metaphorical language.

an issue is on the rise

Downplays the intensity of the situation to an issue that is starting to emerge.

things are starting to go wrong

Offers a straightforward and less figurative way to describe the onset of problems.

FAQs

How can I use "trouble brews" in a sentence?

You can use "trouble brews" to indicate that a negative situation is developing. For example: "I sense that "trouble brews" if we don't address these issues immediately."

What are some alternatives to "trouble brews"?

Alternatives include "problems are brewing", "difficulties are emerging", or "a crisis is looming", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trouble brews" formal or informal?

"Trouble brews" leans towards the neutral side but it is more suitable for journalistic or literary contexts than for highly formal or technical writing. In those cases alternatives like "a bad situation is developing" may be more adequate.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "trouble brews"?

Use "trouble brews" when you want to create a sense of impending difficulty or conflict in a situation. It's effective in narratives, news reporting, or when discussing potential problems that are not yet fully realized.