Lingo

Difficult Challenges

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13 Words

7m

1.
like pulling teeth
Phrase

used to refer to something that is inexplicably difficult

Convincing him to try a new hobby was like pulling teeth.He was resistant to change and reluctant to step out of his comfort zone.

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2.
teething (problems|troubles)
Phrase

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

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

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3.
like Chinese arithmetic
Phrase

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

Trying to decipher the professor's equations felt like Chinese arithmetic.The symbols and formulas were so intricate and confusing.

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4.
[be] murder
Phrase

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

Trying to assemble the complicated furniture without the instructions was murder.It took hours of trial and error to put it together correctly.

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5.
uphill battle
Noun

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

Equip yourself with five practical strategies that help you win the uphill battle and take your project professional career to new heights.

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6.
herculean task
Noun

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

Organizing the event within a tight deadline was a Herculean task, requiring round-the-clock work and coordination.

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7.
heavy going
Phrase

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

The dense academic textbook was heavy going, requiring multiple readings and extensive note-taking to fully understand the complex concepts.

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8.
a (tough|hard) row to hoe
Phrase

a situation that causes difficulties for one

Tax reform was one of the new president's primary campaign promises, but it will likely prove a hard row to hoe, given the deep divisions in congress.

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9.
[bite] off more than {sb} (can|could) chew
Phrase

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

They bit off more than they could chew trying to organize the event without enough resources.

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10.
(as|) red as a cherry
Phrase

used to describe someone who is extremely red in the face due to embarrassment

Every time he sees his crush, his face turns red as a cherry.

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11.
like herding cats
Phrase

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

Getting a group of young children to sit still and listen can be like herding cats.They are full of energy and easily distracted.

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12.
draft-mule work
Noun

the hardest or most boring part of a task or job

The construction workers were engaged in draft mule work, hauling heavy bricks and cement all day long.

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13.
the deep end
Phrase

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

I'm a little nervous about starting my graduate degree program, but I'm determined to jump in at the deep end and give it a go.

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