grey area

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a situation that is unclear or not covered by clear rules

Why this phrase?

Grey is between black and white; figuratively it means 'unclear' or 'undefined'.

Example

“Tax law has many grey areas that confuse small businesses.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

fall in line Neutral · CEFR B1

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

golden rule Neutral · CEFR B1

the most important rule or principle to follow

out of the question Neutral · CEFR B1

completely impossible or not permitted

sign on the dotted line Neutral · CEFR B1

to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement

take it or leave it Neutral · CEFR B1

accept an offer exactly as presented or reject it entirely

time will tell Neutral · CEFR B1

the result will become clear only in the future

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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