troublesome waters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome waters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe difficult or challenging situations, often in a context involving conflict or uncertainty. Example: "The company found itself in troublesome waters after the sudden resignation of its CEO, leading to uncertainty among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Do the lines, "Troublesome waters around me do roll/They're rocking my boat and wrecking my soul" foreshadow rock & roll?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"[T]he environmental impact of the pipeline construction may be minimal, and the Corps has already verified that the seemingly troublesome water crossings will have little or no ultimate environmental effect...It is also apparent that Plaintiffs have significantly overstated the certainty and imminence of some of the injuries they predict".

Huffington Post

Recording sessions had twice been interrupted by US tours (one in April and the other in June 1975), and the final sessions, which occurred after the band's performance at Knebworth, proved particularly troublesome for Waters.

Wikipedia

Japanese engineers have pioneered methods for prelocating troublesome rock and water conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also notes that, by requesting such information, employers may be unknowingly be putting themselves in other potentially troublesome legal hot water.

TechCrunch

Since the first patent registration by Vermeiren [[1]], magnetic water treatment (MWT) plays an increasingly important industrial role regarding scale control and amelioration of dispersion separations in hard water with troublesome deposition of calcium carbonate/sulfate and/or silica.

Nanoscale Res Lett

La Niña's unusually cool waters signal less troublesome weather extremes around the world than El Niño's warmth, but the development highlights troubles for forecasters: Neither they nor their computers saw La Niña coming.

Science Magazine

Scott Cullen, the counsel to Standing for Truth About Radiation of East Hampton, said the plan's goal of only reducing radioactive contamination by enough to conform with drinking-water standards was troublesome.

The New York Times

In another clip he states that troublesome chemicals are seeping into water ways and even turning male frogs into female frogs.

Huffington Post

The sewage plants, dotted around the reservoirs from Westchester to Delaware County, have long been seen by water experts as a troublesome source of pollution.

The New York Times

If you have a bicycle, good for you, but for those without bicycles, walking for miles to get water can be so troublesome," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troublesome waters" to add a touch of metaphorical color when describing a situation fraught with difficulty or uncertainty. It's especially effective when implying potential for unexpected challenges.

Common error

While "troublesome waters" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal reports or academic papers. More direct language may be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troublesome waters" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It metaphorically represents a period or situation filled with difficulties and challenges, much like the "boat on life's troubled seas" example Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troublesome waters" is a noun phrase used metaphorically to describe a difficult or uncertain situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various reputable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Alternatives like "difficult situation" or "stormy seas" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it fits the context and avoid overuse in overly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stormy seas

Similar metaphorical usage, focusing on turbulent times.

hot water

Colloquial expression for being in trouble or facing consequences.

difficult situation

Broader term referring to any challenging set of circumstances.

challenging times

Highlights the difficulty level of the present period.

rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty.

adverse circumstances

Formal term indicating unfavorable conditions.

crisis situation

Signifies a critical and urgent difficulty.

in a predicament

Formal way to express a difficult situation.

in a bind

Suggests being trapped in a problematic situation.

complex issue

Focuses on the intricate nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "troublesome waters" to describe a challenging or uncertain situation, often involving conflict or potential problems. For example, "The company found itself in "troublesome waters" after the sudden resignation of its CEO".

What's a good alternative to "troublesome waters"?

Alternatives include "difficult situation", "stormy seas", or "challenging times", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "troubled waters" the same as "troublesome waters"?

While similar, "troubled waters" often implies a more emotional or internal state of distress, whereas ""troublesome waters"" typically refers to external difficulties or problematic circumstances.

When is it best to use "troublesome waters" in writing?

Use "troublesome waters" when you want to add a touch of figurative language to describe a situation that is not only difficult but also potentially unpredictable or dangerous. It works well in both narrative and descriptive writing.