under the cosh

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "under the cosh" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used idiom in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is under a lot of pressure or strain, usually as a result of a difficult task or situation. For example, "The team has been under the cosh since the deadline was moved up by a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charlton were under the cosh.

The Guardian - Sport

Aircraft engine makers are under the cosh.

Independent

"People felt under the cosh.

The Guardian

Social care is under the cosh.

The Guardian

They are just completely under the cosh.

The Guardian

Yes, Souness is under the cosh again.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not only local authority youth services under the cosh.

The Guardian

"Households remain under the cosh," said the report.

The Guardian - Business

Chip designer Imagination Technologies has been under the cosh recently.

The Guardian - Business

England are under the cosh here, no doubt about that.

The Guardian - Sport

The experts in behaviour change are under the cosh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the cosh" when you want to convey a sense of intense pressure, especially in situations involving sports, business, or politics.

Common error

Don't use "under the cosh" in contexts where a literal physical object (a cosh) would be involved; it's an idiomatic expression referring to pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the cosh" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the state of being subjected to significant pressure or strain. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "under the cosh" describes a state of being subjected to significant pressure. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Sport contexts. While primarily neutral in register, it adds a colorful, idiomatic flavor to writing. Alternatives like "under pressure" offer more general options. Be mindful to avoid literal interpretations, as this is a figurative expression. Remember to use this phrase to express intense pressure in suitable informal and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up against it

This alternative is a British idiom that conveys a similar sense of facing difficulties.

under pressure

This alternative is more general and lacks the idiomatic flavor of the original.

with their back against the wall

This alternative conveys a sense of being cornered or having limited options.

under stress

This alternative focuses on the emotional or mental strain experienced.

feeling the squeeze

This alternative focuses on the sensation of being constricted or burdened.

in a difficult position

This alternative is a more formal and less colorful way of expressing the same idea.

in a tight spot

This alternative shares a similar level of informality but emphasizes being trapped or restricted.

in the hot seat

This alternative emphasizes being in a position where one is subject to scrutiny or criticism.

on the spot

This alternative suggests immediate pressure to perform or respond.

in dire straits

This alternative suggests a more severe and perilous situation.

FAQs

How to use "under the cosh" in a sentence?

You can use "under the cosh" to describe someone experiencing significant pressure. For example: "The team was "under the cosh" after a series of poor performances."

What can I say instead of "under the cosh"?

You can use alternatives like "under pressure", "under stress", or "in a difficult position" depending on the specific context.

Is "under the cosh" formal or informal?

"Under the cosh" is generally considered an informal idiom, best suited for casual or journalistic contexts rather than formal academic writing.

What's the origin of the idiom "under the cosh"?

The origin of "under the cosh" comes from the British slang word "cosh", referring to a type of bludgeon or club. Figuratively, it represents being subjected to force or pressure.