Difficulty - Difficult Challenges

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

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like pulling teeth [phrase]

used to refer to something that is inexplicably difficult

Ex: Trying to gather accurate data for the research project was like pulling teeth .

teething (problems|troubles) [phrase]

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

Ex: There were the usual teething troubles at the beginning of the project , but that 's to be expected .

like Chinese arithmetic [phrase]

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

Ex:

to [be] murder [phrase]

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

Ex: The long hours and physical labor required for the construction project were murder on the workers .

uphill battle [noun]

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

Ex: The young athlete faced an uphill battle to recover from a serious injury and get back into peak form for the upcoming championship .

herculean task [noun]

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

Ex: The teacher faced the Herculean task of keeping a classroom full of energetic kindergarteners engaged and focused throughout the day .

heavy going [phrase]

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

Ex: The negotiations between the two parties were heavy going , with both sides struggling to find common ground and reach a mutually beneficial agreement .

a (tough|hard) row to hoe [phrase]

a situation that causes difficulties for one

Ex: Taking care of an aging parent with complex medical needs can be a hard row to hoe .

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

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

Ex: Do n't bite off more than you can chew by promising to finish the task in one day .

(as|) red as a cherry [phrase]

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

Ex: My father was as red as a cherry by the time we reached the top of the hill .

like herding cats [phrase]

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

Ex: Organizing a family gathering with relatives who have different schedules and preferences can be like herding cats .

draft-mule work [noun]

the hardest or most boring part of a task or job

Ex:

the deep end [phrase]

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

Ex: John was pushed into the deep end of parenthood when his wife unexpectedly had to travel for work , leaving him to care for their three young children .

to [shoot] {one's} bolt [phrase]

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

Ex: The politician had been saving his most powerful arguments for the end of the debate , and when his turn came , he shot his bolt , delivering a passionate speech that resonated with the audience .

Difficulty
Hard Tasks	Difficult Challenges	Causing Difficulty	Troublemaking
Adding Complexity	Experiencing Difficulties	Facing Unpleasantness	Easy Tasks
Without Effort	Acceptance & Relief	Means & Solutions