wiggle room
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Flexibility of interpretation or of options: The amount of freedom available to change something, make a decision, or interpret rules, often within set limits. It implies a small but useful amount of space for maneuvering or negotiation.
Usage
This noun is typically used to describe a situation where there is a permissible degree of flexibility. It is often used with quantifiers like "some," "a little," "no," or "any." - It is commonly found in contexts involving negotiations, contracts, rules, budgets, and plans.
Examples
- The strict guidelines left no wiggle room for creative solutions.
- When negotiating the contract, try to build in some wiggle room on the delivery dates.
- The budget is very tight, but there's a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses.
- His instructions were precise and allowed for zero wiggle room in interpretation.
Advanced Usage
- To have wiggle room: To possess flexibility.
- We need to have some wiggle room in the schedule for delays.
- To leave wiggle room: To intentionally create or allow for flexibility.
- The clause was written vaguely to leave wiggle room for future changes.
- To give someone wiggle room: To grant flexibility to someone.
- The manager gave her team wiggle room to experiment with new methods.
Variants and Related Words
- Flexibility (n): The quality of being able to bend or adapt easily.
- Leeway (n): The amount of freedom to move or act that is available.
- Margin (n): An amount by which something is won or falls short; can imply a permissible limit or room for error.
- Room for maneuver (n. phrase): A synonymous phrase meaning space to operate freely.
Synonyms
- Leeway
- Flexibility
- Slack
- Margin
- Room for maneuver
- Latitude
Antonyms
- Inflexibility
- Rigidity
- Strictness
- Fixedness
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To cut someone some slack: To allow someone some flexibility or leeway.
- I'll cut you some slack this time since it's your first mistake.
- Room to breathe: Space or freedom to act without pressure.
- The new deadline gives us a little room to breathe.
Noun
- flexibility of interpretation or of options
- the request left some wiggle room for future restructuring