STICKY WICKET Meaning and
Definition
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A sticky wicket refers to a challenging or difficult situation or predicament, often involving complex or delicate circumstances that are difficult to navigate. The term originates from the sport of cricket, where a wicket is a set of three stumps and two bails that a batting team defends, and "sticky" refers to the pitch being damp or wet, making it challenging to play on. Consequently, a sticky wicket implies that the playing conditions are treacherous and that it is not easy for the batsman to score runs or for the bowler to take wickets. Metaphorically, the expression has been extended to other contexts, denoting any scenario or problem fraught with difficulties, intricacies, or complications.
In a figurative sense, a sticky wicket represents a situation where progress, decision-making, or finding a solution becomes problematic, usually due to unforeseen complications, ethical dilemmas, or conflicting interests. It implies a state of perplexity or uncertainty, where even the most experienced individuals may find themselves confused or unable to progress without facing significant challenges or obstacles. The term is often used colloquially in conversations, discussions, or written context to describe a difficult or potentially uncomfortable situation that requires careful handling, negotiation, or strategic thinking. Overall, a sticky wicket encompasses the idea of being in a problematic or critical position that necessitates skill, cleverness, and sometimes luck to overcome.
Common Misspellings for STICKY WICKET
- aticky wicket
- zticky wicket
- xticky wicket
- dticky wicket
- eticky wicket
- wticky wicket
- sricky wicket
- sficky wicket
- sgicky wicket
- syicky wicket
- s6icky wicket
- s5icky wicket
- stucky wicket
- stjcky wicket
- stkcky wicket
- stocky wicket
- st9cky wicket
- st8cky wicket
- stixky wicket
- stivky wicket
Etymology of STICKY WICKET
The term "sticky wicket" originated in the sport of cricket and can be traced back to the mid-19th century in England. In cricket, a "wicket" is a set of three wooden stumps with two bails placed on top, representing a batsman's wicket or the target for the bowler to hit.
The word "sticky" refers to a condition on the cricket pitch where the ball bounces unpredictably or slows down because of moisture, making it difficult for the batsman to play shots. When the pitch becomes sticky, it gives an advantage to the bowler rather than the batsman.
Therefore, the term "sticky wicket" figuratively refers to a challenging or difficult situation, similar to the challenges faced by a batsman on a pitch affected by stickiness.
Idioms with the word STICKY WICKET
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a sticky wicket
The idiom "a sticky wicket" refers to a difficult or problematic situation that is challenging to navigate or resolve. It originates from the game of cricket, where a wicket is the area of play. If the pitch is wet or sticky due to rain, it becomes challenging for the batsmen since the ball may not bounce properly. Hence, "a sticky wicket" metaphorically represents a tricky or challenging circumstance.
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on a sticky wicket
The idiom "on a sticky wicket" originated in cricket and is used figuratively to describe a difficult or challenging situation or predicament that someone finds themselves in. It implies being in a delicate or precarious position where progress or success is uncertain or may be hindered.
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batting on a sticky wicket
The idiom "batting on a sticky wicket" is often used in cricket and figuratively outside of the sport. It refers to a situation where someone finds themselves in a difficult or challenging position, often due to circumstances beyond their control. This phrase implies that someone is faced with a tricky or unpredictable situation, similar to a batsman struggling to play shots on a cricket pitch that has become damp and sticky, making the ball unexpectedly bounce or move differently.
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be (batting) on a sticky wicket
The idiom "be (batting) on a sticky wicket" is used to describe being in a difficult or challenging situation. It originated from the sport of cricket, specifically referring to playing on a pitch that is wet and muddy, making it difficult for the batsman to play their shots and navigate the game. In a broader sense, the idiom implies being in a predicament where progress or success is obstructed or uncertain.
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