to be riddled with grey areas

[AnaZ]

I would like to know what is the exact meaning of the expression "To be riddled with grey areas"?

Thank you!!!

[Jerezgirl]

I would like to know what is the exact meaning of the expression "To be riddled with grey areas"?

Thank you!!!

I would say that it is describing something vague or imprecise.
It could also mean confusing.

It depends a little on the context.

[queenbu]

I would like to know what is the exact meaning of the expression "To be riddled with grey areas"?

Thank you!!!

rid·dle
–verb (used with object) 1. to pierce with many holes, suggesting those of a sieve: to riddle the target.
2. to fill or affect with (something undesirable, weakening, etc.): a government riddled with graft.

Filled with grey areas?

[MrPedantic]

Here's an example from Google:

1. The issue of insider trading is riddled with grey areas.

This means that there is no consensus about many aspects of "insider trading". Rather than being "black and white" (i.e. explicable in simple terms), those aspects are "grey", i.e. neither "black" nor "white".

MrP

[queenbu]

I see. It's always difficult to tell when you don't have the context.

[BobK]

rid·dle
–verb (used with object) 1. to pierce with many holes, suggesting those of a sieve: to riddle the target.
2. to fill or affect with (something undesirable, weakening, etc.): a government riddled with graft.
Filled with grey areas/patches?

And a 'grey area' is one where definitions are not clearly demarcated. So if a system is 'riddled with grey areas' it is full of unclear relationships/responsibilities/duties.

b

[AnaZ]

Thank's everybody. Actually the "grey areas" part was clear to me :) It was more about the "riddle"... Although I knew its literal meaning, I thought that in the context of this expression it could have a particular meaning (ie, not just "filled with grey areas", but sth stronger, maybe intentional)! Anyway, it was helpful :) AZ

[BobK]

'in the context of this expression it could have a particular meaning'

Not especially, though it's quite often used pejoratively - 'full of X [and I don't think it should be]':

That argument is riddled with holes - do you honestly expect anyone to take it seriously?

b