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: Persuading him to lift the charges was a challenge, like pulling teeth.I don't want to ever go through that again.

teething problems

[phrase]

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

Ex: We had some teething problems when we first opened the bookshop, but now everything is okay.

like Chinese arithmetic

[phrase]

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

Ex: Navigating through the city's intricate subway system felt like Chinese arithmetic to the tourist.The numerous lines, interchanges, and maps were overwhelming.

to be murder

[phrase]

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

Ex: Learning a new language from scratch can be murder.The grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation can be overwhelming for beginners.

uphill battle

[noun]

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

Ex: Breaking into the entertainment industry can be an uphill battle for aspiring actors . It requires perseverance , talent , and luck .

herculean task

[noun]

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

Ex: Convincing the board of directors to approve the ambitious project was a Herculean task. It required extensive research , preparation , and persuasive arguments to gain their support .

heavy going

[phrase]

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

Ex: The intricate puzzle proved to be heavy going, with its intricate design and numerous pieces requiring intense concentration and problem-solving skills.

a tough row to hoe

[phrase]

a situation that causes difficulties for one

Ex: Climbing the corporate ladder in a competitive industry can be a hard row to hoe.It demands consistent hard work, networking, and proving oneself in a challenging environment.

to bite off more than somebody can chew

[phrase]

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

Ex: By taking on the job and planning a wedding simultaneously, she clearly bit off more than she could chew.

(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.I was afraid he might have a heart attack or something!

like herding cats

[phrase]

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

Ex: Managing a team of creative individuals who have strong opinions and different working styles can feel like herding cats.It necessitates finding a balance between allowing autonomy and fostering collaboration.

draft-mule work

[noun]

the hardest or most boring part of a task or job

Ex: The team worked tirelessly, doing the draft mule work necessary to set up the event venue, arranging chairs, tables, and decorations.

the deep end

[phrase]

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

Ex: I decided to take the plunge and sign up for an advanced language course, knowing it would throw me in at the deep end, but I was eager to challenge myself.

to shoot one's bolt

[phrase]

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

Ex: After months of preparation, the athlete shot her bolt in the Olympic finals, giving her best performance but narrowly missing the gold medal.

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