What does “Sticky wicket” mean?
"Sticky wicket" means a difficult or tricky situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He found himself in a sticky wicket when he realized he had forgotten his wallet at home.
Example
The team was in a sticky wicket after losing their star player to injury.
Example
She managed to navigate her way out of the sticky wicket by coming up with a creative solution
Is “Sticky wicket” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sticky wicket” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Sticky wicket” effectively in context?
You can use "Sticky Wicket" to describe a difficult or tricky situation that someone finds themselves in. It emphasizes the challenges and obstacles they are facing. For example, if a friend is struggling with a complex problem at work, you might say, 'Sounds like you're in a sticky wicket. I hope you find a solution soon.'
- 1Personal Life
She found herself in a sticky wicket when she accidentally double-booked two important events on the same day.
- 2Sports
The team was in a sticky wicket after losing their star player to injury just before the championship game.
- 3Business
The company faced a sticky wicket when their main supplier suddenly went out of business.
Similar phrases to “Sticky wicket”:
A difficult or troublesome situation
Example
They found themselves in a pickle when their car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sticky wicket” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sticky Wicket" can be traced back to the sport of cricket. In cricket, the wicket refers to the area between the two sets of stumps where the batsman stands. When the pitch is wet or damp, it becomes difficult for the batsman to play shots and for the bowler to deliver the ball accurately. This makes it a challenging and tricky situation for both teams. Over time, the term 'sticky wicket' has been used metaphorically to describe any difficult or tricky situation.
Is “Sticky wicket” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Sticky Wicket" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe challenging situations or to empathize with others who are facing difficulties.
What tone does “Sticky wicket” have?
"Sticky Wicket" conveys a tone of sympathy and understanding. It acknowledges the complexity and challenges of a situation and implies that finding a solution may not be easy.
Can “Sticky wicket” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Sticky Wicket" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes difficult situations. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He found himself in a sticky wicket and didn't know how to resolve the issue.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like a "sticky wicket"!' to imply a challenging situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- difficult situation
- tricky predicament
- challenging circumstance
- tough dilemma
- problematic scenario
Antonyms
- smooth sailing
- easy situation
- simple task
- straightforward challenge
- effortless predicament
