sticky wicket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, often figurative, primarily used in UK and Commonwealth English.
Quick answer
What does “sticky wicket” mean?
A difficult or awkward situation, often requiring careful navigation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A difficult or awkward situation, often requiring careful navigation.
A challenging predicament where progress is tricky; a delicate or problematic state of affairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is strongly associated with British English and is far more common and naturally understood in the UK and Commonwealth nations. In American English, it is understood but often considered a colourful Britishism.
Connotations
In British usage, it often carries a slightly understated, euphemistic, or even humorous tone when describing a serious problem. In American usage, it can sound deliberately British or quaint.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal/business contexts; low frequency in US, where alternatives like 'tight spot', 'pickle', or 'difficult situation' are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “sticky wicket” in a Sentence
to be on a sticky wicketto find/leave someone on a sticky wicketVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sticky wicket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – primarily a noun phrase.
American English
- N/A – primarily a noun phrase.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – not used adjectivally. Use 'sticky-wicket' as a compound modifier in informal writing: 'a sticky-wicket scenario'.
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The merger talks have hit a sticky wicket over intellectual property rights."
Academic
"The researcher found herself on a sticky wicket when her primary source was discredited."
Everyday
"Asking for a pay rise the day after the company announced losses is a bit of a sticky wicket."
Technical
(Cricket) "The morning rain has left us with a proper sticky wicket; the ball will turn sharply."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sticky wicket”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sticky wicket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sticky wicket”
- Using 'sticky wicket' to describe a physically sticky object (e.g., a sticky doorknob).
- Omitting the article 'a' (e.g., 'on sticky wicket' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'sticky situation', which is more general and international.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it will likely be perceived as a conscious use of British idiom. It's understood but not native to American vernacular.
It is informal but not offensive. It's often used in professional settings (especially in the UK) to add colour or mild euphemism.
No. The figurative meaning is entirely divorced from the sport for most users. Knowing the origin simply enriches understanding.
The fixed phrase 'to be on a sticky wicket' is by far the most frequent and natural collocation.
A difficult or awkward situation, often requiring careful navigation.
Sticky wicket: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɪk.i ˈwɪk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɪk.i ˈwɪk.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on a sticky wicket”
- “batting on a sticky wicket”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to run on a cricket pitch covered in treacle (sticky) – it would be incredibly difficult and awkward. That's a sticky wicket.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SPORTING MATCH; DIFFICULTIES ARE ADVERSE PLAYING CONDITIONS.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts would 'sticky wicket' be LEAST appropriate?