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Έξοδος
1-
at a push
2-
to bite the bullet
3-
a bitter pill to swallow
4-
easier said than done
5-
fine kettle of fish
6-
hard nut (to crack)
7-
to have one's work cut out for somebody
8-
here goes nothing
9-
get blood from a stone
10-
to take some beating
11-
tall order
12-
to be no picnic
at a push
At a push
us flag
/æɾə pˈʊʃ/
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IdiomIdiom

with difficulty or extra effort

example
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I can finish the project by tomorrow, but it will be at a push, and I'll need to work late into the night.
Although completing the marathon isn't easy for me, I could manage it at a push.
The suitcase is a bit small for all my clothes, but at a push, I can make it work for the weekend trip.
What is the origin of the idiom "at a push" and when to use it?

The idiom "at a push" likely originates from the idea of applying force or pressure to make something work or achieve a result. While the exact historical origin is not precisely documented, it is often used in contemporary language to describe situations where individuals are willing to go the extra mile or make an additional effort to achieve something under less-than-ideal conditions.

to [bite] the bullet
To bite the bullet
us flag
/bˈaɪt ðə bˈʊlɪt/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to start to deal with an inevitable challenge or difficulty

What is the origin of the idiom "bite the bullet" and when to use it?

The idiom "bite the bullet" has its origins in the practice of medicine during the 19th century. Before modern anesthesia, soldiers and patients would bite on a bullet or a similar object to endure the pain during surgery or other medical procedures. Figuratively, the idiom is used to describe the act of facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, even though it may be uncomfortable or painful.

a bitter pill to (swallow|take)
A bitter pill to swallow
us flag
/ɐ bˈɪɾɚ pˈɪl tʊ swˈɑːloʊ tˈeɪk/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

something so unpleasant that a person has to struggle to accept it

What is the origin of the idiom "a bitter pill to swallow" and when to use it?

The idiom "a bitter pill to swallow" is used to describe a situation, piece of information, or decision that is difficult to accept or come to terms with because it is unpleasant, disappointing, or hard to bear. The origin of this idiom lies in the idea that taking medicine in the form of a bitter-tasting pill can be an unpleasant experience. Therefore, this phrase draws from the idea of comparing the difficulty of accepting an unpleasant reality to the distasteful experience of swallowing a bitter pill.

easier said than done
Easier said than done
us flag
/ˈiːzɪɚ sˈɛd ðɐn dˈʌn/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

not difficult in words compared to how difficult it can be in practice

What is the origin of the idiom "easier said than done" and when to use it?

The idiom "easier said than done" is used to express the idea that something may sound simple or straightforward when described, but it is much more challenging to actually accomplish or carry out. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, with similar phrases appearing in various languages. It is used to emphasize the gap between talking about an action or task and actually executing it, highlighting the difficulties and complexities involved.

(fine|pretty) kettle of fish
fine kettle of fish
us flag
/fˈaɪn ɔːɹ pɹˈɪɾi kˈɛɾəl ʌv fˈɪʃ/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

a situation that is complicated, awkward, or annoying

What is the origin of the idiom "fine kettle of fish" and when to use it?

The idiom "fine kettle of fish" is used to describe a complicated, troublesome, or confusing situation. It originated in Scotland in the late 18th century and has its roots in fishing. In those times, a kettle was used to cook fish, and if the kettle was in a poor state or the fish was spoiled, it would result in a disappointing and messy situation.

(hard|tough) nut (to crack|)
hard nut (to crack)
us flag
/hˈɑːɹd tˈʌf nˈʌt tə kɹˈæk/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

someone or something that is difficult to understand, deal with, or overcome

What is the origin of the idiom "hard nut" and when to use it?

The idiom "hard nut" is used to describe a person who is difficult to deal with or a problem that is challenging to solve. It originated in the late 19th century and draws its metaphorical meaning from the idea of cracking open a nut. Just as some nuts have tough shells that are hard to break, this expression refers to someone who is resistant, unyielding, or stubborn.

to [have] {one's} work cut out for {sb}
To have one's work cut out for somebody
us flag
/hæv wˈʌnz wˈɜːk kˈʌt ˈaʊt fɔːɹ ˌɛsbˈiː/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

used to say that something is very difficult and one will need to put a lot of effort into doing it

What is the origin of the idiom "have one's work cut out for someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "have one's work cut out for someone" is used to express that someone has a challenging or demanding task ahead of them. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the practice of tailoring or dressmaking. When a tailor had a piece of fabric already cut out for a particular garment, it meant that the most time-consuming and difficult part of the work was already done.

here goes nothing
Here goes nothing
us flag
/hˈɪɹ ɡoʊz nˈʌθɪŋ/
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HumorousHumorous
IdiomIdiom

used to express a sense of uncertainty or nervousness before attempting something

What is the origin of the idiom "here goes nothing" and when to use it?

The idiom "here goes nothing" is a phrase used to express a sense of uncertainty, anticipation, or resignation before attempting something, especially when the outcome is uncertain or potentially risky. The origin of this expression is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century.

[get] blood (from|out of) a (stone|turnip)
get blood from a stone
us flag
/ɡɛt blˈʌd fɹʌm ˌaʊɾəv ɐ stˈoʊn tˈɜːnɪp/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to try to do something that is very unlikely to accomplish

What is the origin of the idiom "get blood from a stone" and when to use it?

The idiom "get blood from a stone" is used to describe a situation where it is extremely difficult or impossible to obtain something, typically referring to extracting information, money, or any valuable resource from someone who does not possess or unwilling to give it. The origin of this expression is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 17th century. The idea behind the idiom is that stones and turnips are lifeless and do not contain blood, making it useless to try to extract something from them.

to [take] some beating
To take some beating
us flag
/tˈeɪk sˌʌm bˈiːɾɪŋ/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to be very successful that demands a lot of hard work in order to be outdone or surpassed

What is the origin of the idiom "take some beating" and when to use it?

The idiom "take some beating" is used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally good, outstanding, or difficult to surpass or defeat. This expression originated in the world of sports, particularly in boxing or other competitive activities where opponents face each other.

tall order
Tall order
us flag
/tˈɔːl ˈɔːɹdɚ/
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IdiomIdiom

a very difficult or unreasonable request

What is the origin of the idiom "tall order" and when to use it?

The idiom "tall order" is used to describe a demand, task, or request that is challenging, difficult, or ambitious. The origin of this expression is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is likely derived from the idea of reaching for something that is physically out of reach or beyond one's grasp.

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To be no picnic
us flag
/biː nˈoʊ pˈɪknɪk/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

used to emphasize that doing something is not easy at all

What is the origin of the idiom "be no picnic" and when to use it?

The idiom "be no picnic" is used to describe a situation or task that is challenging, difficult, or unpleasant. The phrase originated in the early 20th century and draws its metaphorical meaning from the idea that a picnic is typically associated with leisure, enjoyment, and relaxation. Therefore, when something is described as "no picnic," it implies that it is the opposite of a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

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Έμαθες 12 λέξεις από Hard Tasks. Για να βελτιώσεις τη μάθηση και την επανάληψη του λεξιλογίου, ξεκίνα να εξασκείσαι!

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