I don’t like the overuse of “in harm’s way”. I like the word “danger” because it is much more easily modified. For instance one can use “grave danger”, “slight danger”, “immediate danger” – depending on the nature of the danger. “Danger” is more direct. “In harm’s way” seems vague and weak.
Frank G:
May 21st, 2021 at 3:06 pm
It seems ridiculous that the phrase is being so overused. People used to say “You are putting me or my family in danger”. Now, it is “you are putting me in harm’s way”. Ludicrous! It’s like the media latches on to whatever is the vogue, and runs with it. Hopefully, the word “danger” will return to common use. I HATE being manipulated by society, and “In harm’s way” is a blatant use of manipulation.
Leave a comment
Search us!
Search The Word Detective and our family of websites:
This is the easiest way to find a column on a particular word or phrase.
To search for a specific phrase, put it between quotation marks. (note: JavaScript must be turned on in your browser to view results.)
Ask a Question!
Puzzled by Posh?
Confounded by Cattycorner?
Baffled by Balderdash?
Flummoxed by Flabbergast?
Perplexed by Pandemonium?
Nonplussed by... Nonplussed?
Annoyed by Alliteration?
Tim Wooten:
March 28th, 2011 at 9:01 am
I don’t like the overuse of “in harm’s way”. I like the word “danger” because it is much more easily modified. For instance one can use “grave danger”, “slight danger”, “immediate danger” – depending on the nature of the danger. “Danger” is more direct. “In harm’s way” seems vague and weak.
Frank G:
May 21st, 2021 at 3:06 pm
It seems ridiculous that the phrase is being so overused. People used to say “You are putting me or my family in danger”. Now, it is “you are putting me in harm’s way”. Ludicrous! It’s like the media latches on to whatever is the vogue, and runs with it. Hopefully, the word “danger” will return to common use. I HATE being manipulated by society, and “In harm’s way” is a blatant use of manipulation.