Tenuous thread

Puck38 · Jul 15, 2009

Is the phrase "tenuous thread" redundant? It seems like I've heard this phrase before, and "tenuous" seemed like the best word for the job, but when I checked the dictionary (to make sure I was using the word "tenuous" properly), the first definition it gives is:

1. thin or slender in form, as a thread

So does "tenuous thread" mean "thread-like thread?" I googled the phrase when I became unsure of my usage, and a lot of people on the internet are using that phrase, but I guess that hardly means it's proper.

Any help is appreciated.

alleycat · Jul 15, 2009

It can also mean weak, thin, or flimsy (I think those would be most people's definition), among other things. So a "tenuous thread" can be a "weak thread", liable to break at any moment--a metaphor for something or someone in that position.

Sandi LeFaucheur · Jul 16, 2009

Some threads are very strong. Take the thread of a spider's web, for instance. It has a higher tensile strength than steel. So I don't think "tenuous thread" is redundant.

Ludka · Jul 16, 2009

I agree with both posters, however, my own personal preference would say that if you're writing something like, "Her sanity was hanging by a tenuous thread." I would prefer it to not have the word tenuous.

"Her sanity was hanging by a thread."

Cliche, but neater.

Puck38 · Jul 16, 2009

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.

Molfitz · Jul 17, 2009

Her sanity was tenuous.
Her tenuous sanity ....

Tenuous thread

Puck38

alleycat

Still around

Sandi LeFaucheur

Ludka

Hath more hair than wit

Puck38

Molfitz