needing careful handling because of being difficult or complicated, deceitful; dishonest

a tricky one, play a tricky game, a tricky customer

tricky question, tricky situation, tricky customer

Formal and Informal Expressions of tricky

In different contexts, you can replace 'tricky' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'difficult, complicated' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'tough, sticky' is a commonplace synonym.

tricky: Explore its Definition & Usage

tricky Definition

1needing careful handling because of being difficult or complicated
2deceitful; dishonest

Using tricky: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tricky" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The exam was tricky, with many unexpected questions.
Example
It's a tricky situation, and we need to handle it carefully.
Example
She has a tricky personality, and you can never tell what she's thinking.
Example
The tricky salesman managed to sell me a faulty product.

tricky Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tricky

Antonyms for tricky

Idioms Using tricky

a tricky one
a difficult or complicated problem or situation
Example
This project is a tricky one, and we need to come up with a creative solution.
play a tricky game
to behave in a deceitful or dishonest way
Example
The politician played a tricky game, making promises he knew he couldn't keep.
a tricky customer
a person who is difficult to deal with or please
Example
The new boss is a tricky customer, and it's hard to know what he wants.

Phrases with tricky

tricky question
a question that is difficult to answer or understand
Example
He asked me a tricky question about quantum physics, and I had no idea how to respond.
tricky situation
a difficult or complicated situation that requires careful handling
Example
The company is in a tricky situation, with declining profits and increasing competition.
tricky customer
a difficult or demanding customer who is hard to please
Example
Dealing with tricky customers is part of the job, but it can be very stressful.

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Summary: tricky in Brief

The term 'tricky' [ˈtrɪki] refers to situations or problems that are difficult or complicated, requiring careful handling. It can also denote deceitful or dishonest behavior, as in 'The tricky salesman managed to sell me a faulty product.' Phrases like 'tricky question' and 'tricky situation' exemplify its use in specific contexts, while idioms like 'play a tricky game' and 'a tricky customer' extend its meaning to dishonesty and difficult personalities.