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like pulling teeth
2-
teething problems
3-
like Chinese arithmetic
4-
to be murder
5-
uphill battle
6-
herculean task
7-
heavy going
8-
a tough row to hoe
9-
to bite off more than somebody can chew
10-
(as) red as a cherry
11-
like herding cats
12-
draft-mule work
13-
the deep end
14-
to shoot one's bolt
like pulling teeth
like pulling teeth
fráze
uk flag
/lˈaɪk pˈʊlɪŋ tˈiːθ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to refer to something that is inexplicably difficult

example
Příklad
Click on words
Convincing him to try a new hobby was like pulling teeth.
Getting a straight answer from the evasive witness during the interrogation was like pulling teeth.
What is the origin of the idiom "like pulling teeth" and when to use it?

The idiom "like pulling teeth" is used to describe a task or process that is extremely difficult, frustrating, or slow. The expression draws its metaphorical meaning from the challenging and often painful process of extracting teeth, which requires significant effort, precision, and patience. When something is compared to pulling teeth, it suggests that it is arduous, requires great persistence, or encounters resistance.

teething (problems|troubles)
teething problems
fráze
uk flag
/tˈiːðɪŋ pɹˈɑːbləmz tɹˈʌbəlz/
N/A

N/A

problems that a person encounters in the early stages of a project or activity

like Chinese arithmetic
like Chinese arithmetic
fráze
uk flag
/lˈaɪk tʃaɪnˈiːz ɐɹˈɪθmətˌɪk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal
Old use

said of something that is very complex or difficult for one understands or work with

What is the origin of the idiom "like Chinese arithmetic" and when to use it?

The idiom "like Chinese arithmetic" has been used in the past to describe something that is excessively complex, confusing, or difficult to understand. The phrase might imply that Chinese arithmetic, or the methods used in Chinese mathematics, were perceived as intricate or puzzling by those unfamiliar with them.

to [be] murder
to be murder
fráze
uk flag
/biː mˈɜːdɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

(of a task) to be very difficult or almost impossible to do or complete

What is the origin of the idiom "be murder" and when to use it?

The idiom "be murder" is used to describe a task, situation, or experience that is extremely difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. The expression originated in the early 19th century and draws its metaphorical meaning from the act of committing murder, which is considered one of the most wicked and difficult acts to do.

uphill battle
uphill battle
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/ʌphˈɪl bˈæɾəl/
(obtížná výzva)

(obtížná výzva)

náročný boj

Idiom
Informal

a difficult fight or challenge that requires a lot of effort and determination

What is the origin of the idiom "uphill battle" and when to use it?

The idiom "uphill battle" is originated from the physical difficulty of climbing up a steep hill, which requires extra effort and energy. This expression is used to refer to a situation where progress or success is hard to achieve due to obstacles, resistance, or unfavorable circumstances.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
herculean task
herculean task
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/hˈɜːkjʊlˌiən tˈæsk/
(herkulovská výzva)

(herkulovská výzva)

herkulovský úkol

Idiom
Informal

a task or challenge that requires an immense amount of effort, strength, or endurance to accomplish

What is the origin of the idiom "Herculean task" and when to use it?

The idiom "Herculean task" is used to describe an extremely difficult, demanding, or challenging task. It draws its origins from Greek mythology and the legendary hero Hercules, known for his immense strength and his completion of twelve labors, which were considered nearly impossible feats.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
heavy going
heavy going
fráze
uk flag
/hˈɛvi ɡˈoʊɪŋ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a difficult and challenging situation or task that requires significant effort to overcome or complete

What is the origin of the idiom "heavy going" and when to use it?

The idiom "heavy going" is used to describe a situation, task, or material that is difficult and challenging. It originated from the literal sense of "going" or progressing with great effort and difficulty, often through rough terrain or adverse conditions.

a (tough|hard) row to hoe
a tough row to hoe
fráze
uk flag
/ɐ tˈʌf hˈɑːɹd ɹˈoʊ tə hˈoʊ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a situation that causes difficulties for one

What is the origin of the idiom "a tough row to hoe" and when to use it?

The idiom "a tough row to hoe" originated from the agricultural practice of hoeing rows in a field to prepare the soil for planting. This expression is used to suggest that the task at hand requires considerable effort, endurance, and perseverance, just as tilling a row of soil can be physically demanding and labor-intensive.

to [bite] off more than {sb} (can|could) chew
to bite off more than somebody can chew
fráze
uk flag
/bˈaɪt ˈɔf mˈoːɹ ðɐn ˌɛsbˈiː kæn kʊd tʃjˈuː/
N/A

N/A

Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to attempt to do something that is beyond one's capability

What is the origin of the idiom "bite off more than someone can chew" and when to use it?

The idiom "bite off more than someone can chew" is used to describe a situation where someone has taken on a task or responsibility that is too difficult or overwhelming for them to handle. The phrase draws from the act of taking a bite of food that is too large to chew comfortably.

(as|) red as a cherry
(as) red as a cherry
fráze
uk flag
/æz ɔːɹ ɹˈɛd æz ɐ tʃˈɛɹi/
N/A

N/A

turning really red in the face because of doing a lot of physical activities

like herding cats
like herding cats
fráze
uk flag
/lˈaɪk hˈɜːdɪŋ kˈæts/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to describe a job or task that is too difficult or challenging

What is the origin of the idiom "like herding cats" and when to use it?

The idiom "like herding cats" is used to describe a situation that is extremely difficult, chaotic, or challenging to control or manage. It originated from the notion that herding cats is an impossible task due to their independent nature and resistance to being directed or corralled.

draft-mule work
draft-mule work
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/dɹˈæftmjˈuːl wˈɜːk/
(nudná práce)

(nudná práce)

těžká dřina

Idiom
Informal

the hardest or most boring part of a task or job

What is the origin of the idiom "draft mule work" and when to use it?

The idiom "draft mule work" has its origins in agricultural practices. It refers to demanding tasks that were traditionally assigned to mules, which were strong and sturdy animals commonly used for pulling heavy loads, particularly in farming and construction. In this context, "draft" refers to the act of pulling or carrying a heavy load. This idiom is used metaphorically to describe heavy manual labor and tasks that require significant physical effort, often involving repetitive or monotonous actions.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
the deep end
the deep end
fráze
uk flag
/ðə dˈiːp ˈɛnd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a situation that is very difficult because one is not prepared to deal with it

What is the origin of the idiom "the deep end" and when to use it?

The idiom "the deep end" has its origins in the world of swimming pools. It refers to the part of a pool that is furthest from the shallow or safe area, where the water is typically deeper and more challenging to navigate. The deep end is associated with greater risks and difficulties due to its depth. This expression is used to describe a situation or experience that is intense, challenging, or overwhelming.

to [shoot] {one's} bolt
to shoot one's bolt
fráze
uk flag
/ʃˈuːt wˈʌnz bˈoʊlt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to utilize one's final and decisive efforts, often in a critical moment

What is the origin of the idiom "shoot one's bolt" and when to use it?

The idiom "shoot one's bolt" originates from archery and refers to the act of shooting an arrow from a crossbow or similar weapon. In this context, "bolt" refers to the projectile or the arrow itself. This expression is used metaphorically to describe the act of expending all of one's energy, effort, or resources in a single effort or endeavor.

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