trouble is brewing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trouble is brewing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a problem or conflict is developing or becoming apparent. Example: "The recent disagreements among the team members suggest that trouble is brewing, and we need to address the issues before they escalate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But trouble is brewing.

Independent

Trouble is brewing.

The Economist

But now trouble is brewing.

The Guardian

Trouble is brewing in the prairie paradise.

The New Yorker

But across this bucolic countryside, trouble is brewing.

The New York Times - Science

TROUBLE is brewing again in the south-east of Afghanistan.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

No trouble was brewing.

The New York Times

But back in Connecticut, trouble was brewing.

Yale University

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing elsewhere for Diebold.

Harvard University

With the convention nearing, trouble was brewing.

The New York Times

But 4,000 miles away, trouble was brewing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trouble is brewing" to create suspense or foreshadow negative developments in your writing. It's particularly effective in narratives or reports where a sense of unease needs to be conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "trouble is brewing" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound predictable. Instead, vary your language with other descriptive phrases or more subtle hints of impending issues.

Linguistic Context

"Trouble is brewing" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a warning or foreshadowing device. It sets the stage for potential conflict or negative developments. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm its use in signaling impending issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trouble is brewing" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that effectively signals the emergence of problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "problems are arising" or "conflict is looming" can offer variety. The phrase serves as a warning or foreshadowing, setting the stage for potential negative developments. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problems are arising

Focuses on the emergence of issues, less intense than brewing.

difficulties are emerging

Focuses on the appearance of challenges, less foreboding.

issues are developing

Highlights the progression of problems, more neutral in tone.

unrest is surfacing

Highlights hidden discontent becoming visible, more specific to social contexts.

a storm is gathering

Emphasizes a buildup to a significant event, more dramatic.

danger is approaching

Implies an incoming threat, more direct and alarming.

conflict is looming

Suggests an imminent confrontation, more direct and assertive.

a crisis is on the horizon

Suggests an impending critical event, more formal.

tension is escalating

Indicates a rise in stress or strain, more specific to relationships.

things are coming to a head

Indicates a situation reaching a critical point, more colloquial.

FAQs

What does "trouble is brewing" mean?

It means that problems or difficulties are developing and likely to emerge soon. It suggests a situation is worsening and may lead to negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "trouble is brewing"?

You can use alternatives like "problems are arising", "issues are developing", or "conflict is looming" depending on the context.

Is "trouble is brewing" a formal or informal expression?

It's generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more commonly found in news reports and general writing than in highly academic or scientific papers.

How to use "trouble is brewing" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where negative events are developing. For example, "The recent disagreements among the team members suggest that "trouble is brewing", and we need to address the issues before they escalate."