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.

What is the origin of the idiom "like pulling teeth" and when to use it?

like pulling teeth

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teething (problems|troubles)

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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.

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

like Chinese arithmetic

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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.

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

to [be] murder

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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.

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

uphill battle

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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.

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

herculean task

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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.

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

heavy going

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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.

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

a (tough|hard) row to hoe

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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.

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

to [bite] off more than {sb} (can|could) chew

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(as|) red as a cherry

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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.

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

like herding cats

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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.

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

draft-mule work

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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.

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

the deep end

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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.

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

to [shoot] {one's} bolt

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Explore English idioms regarding difficult challenges with examples like "herculean task" and "like herding cats".

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