a (big|tough|huge) ask

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ambitious

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The origin of the idiom "be done for" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of something being finished or done in the sense of being completely defeated or destroyed. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the early 19th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, as well as business and political ventures. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where there is little hope of success, and where failure is almost certain.

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

to [be] done for

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cockeyed

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The idiom "the odds are stacked against someone" or "the cards are stacked against someone" draws from the world of gambling, where the chances of winning or losing can be influenced by the way cards or dice are arranged or manipulated. In a figurative sense, it describes a situation where someone faces significant obstacles, challenges, or unfavorable circumstances that make their success or victory unlikely.

What is the origin of the idiom "the odds are stacked against someone" and when to use it?

the (odds|cards) [are] stacked against {sb}

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crackbrained

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Y3JhY2ticmFpbmVk&hash=45e70fb2e3b3dea9095b397e5de29157d5d86c98&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

desperate

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The origin of the idiom "not give up the day job" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. This phrase is used to suggest that someone's performance in a particular activity is not good enough to pursue as a career.

What is the origin of the idiom "not give up the day job" and when to use it?

to {not} [give] up the day job

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faint-hearted

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to flounder

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forlorn

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Zm9ybG9ybg&hash=826d5ed44e92aa5582617d01829cdb5cf30b29d0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

gloomy

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Z2xvb215&hash=57b8a74f2247729c2dc404de4db9133e79ac8f74&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

harebrained

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGFyZWJyYWluZWQ&hash=85031be640daf7ec1ac92fe59098c5c8d1096fe8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

hit-and-miss

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGl0LWFuZC1taXNz&hash=fbec9f6bc0fa8d6760da233b760b9248aee1ffe8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

ill-omened

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ill-starred

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The origin of the idiom "on the rocks" is uncertain, but it may have originated from the idea of a ship running aground on rocks, which can cause significant damage and lead to the sinking of the vessel. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where something is in trouble or facing difficulties, whether it be a personal relationship, a business venture, or any other situation where stability or success is threatened.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the rocks" and when to use it?

on the rocks

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overambitious

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b3ZlcmFtYml0aW91cw&hash=d1f8178308ddd135d012fc46a3d5d0aae4b56381&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

over-optimistic

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b3Zlci1vcHRpbWlzdGlj&hash=3fd726f8c8239e84e8cd3dc9097f01056b41296c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

pious

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cGlvdXM&hash=1186b47c2982d8a2b92188c36ccaf35ff6a45f6a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The idiom "pipe dream" originated in the early 20th century and was originally associated with the idea of hallucinations experienced by smokers of opium pipes, leading to unrealistic visions. Over time, it evolved to describe any impractical or unattainable vision or plan.

What is the origin of the idiom "pipe dream" and when to use it?

pipe dream

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rocky

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cm9ja3k&hash=c3d21ce9fb6e0e7ab1fda3b085174557cb8b1be3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

shakily

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2hha2lseQ&hash=06e846df383096b1cb409202debcb0ea6ae90784&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

shaky

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2hha3k&hash=f42ab6ac57082ef0ab3477beff369483a187bb18&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

{one's} days are numbered

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struggle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3RydWdnbGU&hash=8171d5fcc6ae2cc23257d80bb790a002cfc8c4da&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

unpromising

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well-intentioned

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wildcat

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The idiom "long shot" originated from the world of sports, particularly horse racing. In horse racing, a "long shot" refers to a horse with low odds of winning, often considered an unlikely or speculative bet. Over time, this term extended to various contexts and is now used figuratively to describe something that has a low probability of success or is unlikely to happen.

What is the origin of the idiom "long shot" and when to use it?

long shot

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{one's} number [is] up

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Here you will learn some English words related to the likelihood of failure such as "flounder", "pious", and "unpromising".

Likely to Fail

English Words for "Likely to Fail"