delicate matter or ticklish affair

[Attila]

Hi All,

I was asked by a user to give him access to folders with files from the finance department.
I wanted to tell him that it isn't as simple because there're important and confidential data in the folders.

I wrote to user following.

This is a delicate matter considering the content of the files therefore I need to ask the head of the finance department first.

Could I use ticklish affair instead of delicate matter in that context?

[Jamie (K)]

A "ticklish affair" is even more delicate than a "delicate matter". You could use the term, but I think that in that context a "delicate matter" is more appropriate, mainly because nothing delicate has happened yet and nobody's been tickled. :D

[Inga]

May be a ticklish business as Privacy is a ticklish business?
and I think delicate matter will do.
But you'd better ask native speakers if the collocations can be used in this particular situation.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Inga]

:) can't keep pace with you.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.