Difficulty - Hard Tasks

Discover how English idioms like "easier said than done" and "bite the bullet" relate to hard tasks in English.

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at a push

[phrase]

with difficulty or extra effort

Ex: I usually need an hour to prepare for presentations, but at a push, I can do it in 45 minutes.

to bite the bullet

[phrase]

to start to deal with an inevitable challenge or difficulty

Ex: He had to bite the bullet and admit his mistake, even though it was embarrassing.

a bitter pill to swallow

[phrase]

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

Ex: The truth about her family had been a bitter pill for Julie to swallow.

easier said than done

[phrase]

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

Ex: Your overall perfromance must be better in this season you understand?

fine kettle of fish

[phrase]

a situation that is complicated, awkward, or annoying

Ex: The company's financial mismanagement and the subsequent legal issues have created a fine kettle of fish, leaving the employees uncertain about their future.

hard nut (to crack)

[phrase]

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

Ex: The new math concept was a tough nut for the students to grasp, requiring them to put in extra effort and seek additional help from the teacher.

to have one's work cut out for somebody

[phrase]

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

Ex: The chef had his work cut out for him as he had to prepare a gourmet meal for a large wedding reception with specific dietary restrictions and preferences.

here goes nothing

[sentence]

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

Ex: Holding his résumé, the job applicant entered the intimidating interview room and quietly said to himself, "Here goes nothing," as he sat down to face the panel of interviewers.

get blood from a stone

[phrase]

to try to do something that is very unlikely to accomplish

Ex: The company tried to collect outstanding payments from the delinquent client, but it was like trying to get blood out of a stone.They refused to pay and ignored all communication attempts.

to take some beating

[phrase]

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

Ex: The breathtaking scenic beauty of that remote island takes some beating, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking natural wonders.

tall order

[noun]

a very difficult or unreasonable request

Ex: The new employee was given a tall order on their first day , being asked to deliver a critical presentation to a room full of executives .

to be no picnic

[phrase]

used to emphasize that doing something is not easy at all

Ex: Convincing your dad to accept seeing Liza was no picnic I'm telling you.Now you can say we're square.

Difficulty

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