under the vise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the vise" is not correct in standard English; it should be "under the vice." You can use it when referring to being in a situation where one feels pressured or constrained, similar to being physically held in a vise.
Example: "She felt as if she was under the vice of her demanding job, unable to escape the pressure."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Western diplomats have expressed cautious optimism that Iran, struggling under the vise of new sanctions on its oil exports and central bank, is ready to discuss limits on its nuclear program, especially on its enrichment to 20 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Make that the vise.

The New York Times

Still, the vise was tight.

The New York Times

Tightening the vise could backfire.

The New York Times

This is the vise Greece has been caught in since 2009.

The New Yorker

My super loaned me the vise in his tool shop.

The New York Times - Food

Time to get out the vise, and the microscope.

The New York Times - Sports

SARAQIB, Syria — The workers arrive by darkness, taking their stations at the vise and the lathe.

The New York Times

"We now have to tighten the vise to demonstrate to Qaddafi that the game is up".

The New York Times

The vise experiment was a perfect illustration of something that Kahneman calls the Peak/End rule.

The New Yorker

And with the price of gasoline and other goods going up, the vise is tightening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "under pressure" or "in a tight spot" for clearer and more common communication.

Common error

Avoid confusing "vise" (a tool) with "vice" (a moral failing or a situation of pressure). Using "vise" in the context of pressure is a common spelling error that can detract from your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

Prepositional phrases like "under the vise" typically modify nouns or verbs, adding context or detail. However, because of its grammatical inaccuracy (it should be 'vice' not 'vise'), it's not functioning correctly. Ludwig AI indicates the standard expression is actually 'under the vice' or, more commonly, 'under pressure'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "under the vise" appears in some contexts, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "under the vice" when referring to pressure or constraint. Ludwig AI highlights that using "under pressure" or "in a tight spot" are better and more common alternatives. It's also vital to not confuse "vise" (a tool) with "vice" (a moral failing or difficult situation). Because of this grammatical error, the phrase has limited applicability in formal writing and should be used with caution. Ludwig recommends always double-checking the spelling and grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under pressure

Focuses on the feeling of being burdened or stressed.

in a tight spot

Emphasizes being in a difficult or problematic situation.

in a difficult situation

A more general term for facing challenges or hardships.

facing difficulties

Highlights the act of confronting problems or obstacles.

in dire straits

Implies being in a very serious or desperate situation.

in a bind

Suggests being stuck or trapped in a problematic circumstance.

between a rock and a hard place

Indicates being faced with two equally unpleasant options.

in a predicament

Refers to a tricky or awkward situation.

up against it

Conveys the sense of facing significant challenges or opposition.

in the clutches of

Suggests being tightly held or controlled by something negative.

FAQs

What is the correct spelling, "under the vise" or "under the vice"?

The correct spelling when referring to pressure or constraint is "under the vice". "Vise" refers to a tool, while "vice" refers to a moral failing or a situation of pressure.

What does it mean to be "under the vice"?

To be "under the vice" means to be experiencing intense pressure or constraint, similar to being held tightly in a physical vise.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "under the vice"?

You can use alternatives like "under pressure", "in a tight spot", or "facing difficulties" depending on the specific context.

How can I avoid misusing the word "vise"?

Remember that "vise" is a tool used to hold objects firmly. If you mean to convey pressure or a moral failing, use "vice" instead. Always proofread your writing to catch such errors.