wicked schemes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked schemes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe devious or morally questionable plans or plots, often in a fictional or dramatic context. Example: "The villain was known for his wicked schemes that always seemed to put the heroes in peril."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

T. C. Boyle's dreary new novel, "The Women," isn't a rewrite of Clare Boothe Luce's wicked 1936 play "The Women".

The New York Times - Books

His last book was Cancel Your Own Goddam Subscription, a wicked 2007 anthology of the most torrid exchanges from the National Review's letters pages.

Independent

And while "Wicked" (2004 Tony winner) doesn't like to be thought of as a show for kids, it's drawing them in droves anyway.

The New York Times

That exodus took off in the wicked 1980s when the number of British merchant navy officers was cut by two-thirds, replaced by cheaper foreign staff.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's an aerial photographer who floats over the landscape in paragliders and geoplanes, as he did last year when an wicked winter freeze wreaked havoc on roads, airports railways and ports.

The New York Times

"When the gates opened, I thought we were done," Biancone said before becoming buoyed by a wicked, 21.74-second 21.74-second that Hussar and Run Production were tossing off in the front of a strung-out pack.

The New York Times - Sports

In Joe Orton's wicked 1963 play, now at Fleetwood Stage, Kath and Ed, middle-aged sex-starved sister and brother who are locked in combat for Sloane's sexual favors, strike a nonnegotiable deal to share him.

The New York Times

Among O'Brien's many subsequent novels are August Is a Wicked Month 19655), Casualties of Peace (1966), Night (1972), Johnny I Hardly Knew You (1977; U.S. title I Hardly Knew You), The High Road (1988), House of Splendid Isolation (1994), Down by the River (1996), In the Forest (2002), and The Light of Evening (2006).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Highlights so far have included new plays by Athol Fugard and Nina Raine and a deliciously wicked Christmas show written by Carol Ann Duffy, while 2011 brings the return of Mike Leigh, directing his 1979 play Ecstasy, a new royal drama by Howard Brenton and visits from both the RSC and Propeller.

Independent

MONIQUE DEMERY, Chicago A. O. Scott's piece about the best film about food overlooks the brilliantly wicked 1973 French film, "La Grande Bouffe," the story of four aristocrats who gather at a villa for the express purpose of eating themselves to death.

The New York Times - Magazine

H.L.A. Hart puts this conclusion in the form of a rhetorical question: "Why should the accidental fact that an intended harmful outcome has not occurred be a ground for punishing less a criminal who may be equally dangerous and equally wicked?" (1968, 129).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked schemes" to describe plans that are not only cunning and deceitful but also morally questionable, typically in fictional or dramatic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked schemes" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "strategic plans" or "complex strategies" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked schemes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "wicked" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "schemes". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it doesn't provide specific examples.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wicked schemes" is a noun phrase used to describe devious, immoral, and harmful plans. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that there are no direct examples in the provided search data, suggesting its usage might be less frequent or context-specific. Related alternatives include "devious plots" and "nefarious plans". It's best used in informal or neutral contexts, avoiding overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. Remember that the phrase carries a negative connotation, implying a deliberate intent to cause trouble or suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devious plots

Emphasizes the cunning and deceitful nature of the plans.

nefarious plans

Highlights the evil and immoral quality of the plans.

malicious plots

Focuses on the intent to harm or cause suffering.

scheming behavior

Shifts the focus from the plans themselves to the act of plotting.

conniving plots

Suggests manipulative and underhanded methods.

evil designs

Emphasizes the sinister intentions behind the plans.

treacherous stratagems

Implies betrayal and deceitful tactics.

crafty machinations

Highlights the skill and cunning involved in the plotting.

sinister ploys

Underlines the threatening and ominous nature of the plans.

immoral designs

Focuses on the lack of ethical or moral considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "wicked schemes" in a sentence?

You can use "wicked schemes" to describe devious or malicious plans, often in fictional contexts. For example: "The villain's "wicked schemes" were always a threat to the city."

What are some alternatives to "wicked schemes"?

Alternatives include "devious plots", "nefarious plans", or "malicious plots", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wicked schemes" formal or informal?

"Wicked schemes" leans towards informal usage, often found in fictional narratives or less formal discussions. It's best to avoid it in professional or academic writing unless you're aiming for a specific stylistic effect.

What is the connotation of "wicked schemes"?

"Wicked schemes" carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the plans are not only cunning and deceitful but also morally wrong or harmful. It implies a deliberate intent to cause trouble or suffering.