trouble in the name of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trouble in the name of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or situations that cause problems or difficulties under the guise of a particular cause or justification. Example: "They created trouble in the name of freedom, but their actions only led to chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Henry Ian Cusick is around to stir up trouble in the name of good, while Paige Turco attempts to do good, which is seen as making trouble.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He spent his extended honeymoon in Mexico evoking a middle-class suburban marriage on the rocks in a one-act opera entitled Trouble in Tahiti (the name of the movie the heroine goes to see).

The Guardian - Music

For many women of the baby boom generation, "making trouble," even in the name of just, worthy and important causes, requires a gentle nudge.

Huffington Post

You relish your subject's foolishness — keeping your hero in trouble remains the name of the dramatic game — while you do all in your power to suppress it in real life.

The New York Times

It quickly became a meta-reading experience, because the passage I was reading was the one in which Denise is having trouble remembering the name of a movie star: I came up with Mamie Van Doren.

The New Yorker

In the past, firms such as Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach raced to the courthouse when a company fell into trouble, filing a fast case in the name of an Average Joe.

Forbes

When such an institution becomes troubled, its creditors are protected in the name of market stability.

Huffington Post

He was also an efficient spin doctor, focusing on eye-catching policy decisions that he took time and trouble to communicate effectively, frequently leaking documents in the name of freedom of information and defending his right to discuss general issues in speeches.

The Guardian

Aggressive secularists and atheists love pointing to the horrors that have been done in the name of religion, from the Inquisition to the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Independent

"But in the name of French tradition".

The New York Times

In the name of "honest journalism"?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "trouble in the name of", ensure the context clearly identifies the entity or cause being invoked to justify the problematic actions. Clarity prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "trouble in the name of" when the problems are merely coincidental, not directly caused or justified by the stated reason. This ensures accurate representation of intent and causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trouble in the name of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that a negative action or situation is being carried out under the pretense or justification of a particular cause, principle, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trouble in the name of" is a prepositional phrase used to express disapproval of actions justified by a particular cause. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, with neutral register and the phrase communicates criticism towards a justification of problematic events. When using this phrase, ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretations and avoid its application when the trouble isn't directly caused by the stated reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict under the guise of

Replaces "trouble" with "conflict" and "in the name of" with "under the guise of", emphasizing deception or hidden motives.

difficulties excused by

Downplays the severity by using "difficulties" and presents the justification as an excuse.

strife in the cause of

Substitutes "trouble" with "strife" and "name" with "cause", focusing on open conflict for a particular objective.

problems justified by

Replaces "trouble" with "problems" and "in the name of" with "justified by", highlighting the rationalization of difficulties.

discord masked as

Emphasizes hidden disagreement or tension, using "discord" instead of "trouble" and framing the justification as a mask.

turmoil invoked for

Replaces "trouble" with "turmoil" and "in the name of" with "invoked for", suggesting a deliberate act to create disturbance.

upheaval rationalized as

Uses "upheaval" to denote significant disruption and "rationalized as" to imply a potentially questionable justification.

hardship defended as

Highlights the severity of the situation with "hardship" and suggests an active defense of the cause.

adversity sanctified by

Replaces "trouble" with "adversity" and "in the name of" with "sanctified by", suggesting a moral or religious justification.

crisis championed under

Emphasizes the severity with "crisis" and focuses on active support or advocacy for a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "trouble in the name of" in a sentence?

You can use "trouble in the name of" to describe situations where problematic actions are justified by a specific cause or belief. For example: "They stirred up "trouble in the name of progress"".

What are some alternatives to "trouble in the name of"?

Alternatives include "conflict under the guise of", "strife in the cause of" or "problems justified by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "problems in the name of" instead of "trouble in the name of"?

While "problems in the name of" is grammatically correct, "trouble in the name of" is more idiomatic and implies a deliberate creation of difficulty. Consider the context to choose the more appropriate phrase.

What's the difference between "violence in the name of" and "trouble in the name of"?

"Violence in the name of" refers specifically to acts of physical harm or aggression. "Trouble in the name of" is a broader term that encompasses any kind of problem, difficulty, or disruption. Violence is therefore a specific subcategory of trouble.