area

(a) gray area

Fig. an area of a subject or question that is difficult to put into a particular category because it is not clearly defined and may have connections or associations with more than one category. The responsibility for social studies in the college is a gray area. Several departments are involved. Publicity is a gray area in that firm. It is shared between the marketing and design divisions.

See also: gray

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a disaster area 

1. if a place is a disaster area, it is very untidy

Usage notes: A disaster area is also a place where an event like a storm or a flood causes serious damage and the government gives help for the emergency.

The kitchen was a disaster area, with greasy plates piled high in the sink.

2. if a subject, a piece of work, or an organization is a disaster area, it causes many problems, often because it is badly organized Government housing policy is a complete disaster area.

See also: disaster

a grey area  (British & Australian) also a gray area (American)

a subject or problem that people do not know how to deal with because there are no clear rules The legal difference between negligence and recklessness is a bit of a grey area.

See also: grey