10 Top Idioms For Difficult

English Idioms for Difficult, expressions and proverbs are an important part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For ESL Students idioms are confusing to learn, the reason being Idioms don’t make literal sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, students studying English must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners run up against comprehending the true meaning and acceptable usage. This idioms list of Difficult makes learning trouble-free, with common Difficult idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Difficult together.

Idioms for Difficult with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Tough Row To Hoe

Definition and Meaning: Tough Row To Hoe

The expression “tough row to hoe” means that the task ahead is going to be difficult.

Tough Row To Hoe Example Sentences:

• Starting a new business is a tough row to hoe, but with hard work and dedication, it can be done.
• Learning a new language is a tough row to hoe, but with practice and patience, you can become fluent.
• Getting into a top university is a tough row to hoe, but with good grades and a strong application, you can make it happen.
• Overcoming an addiction is a tough row to hoe, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible.
• Finding a job in a competitive market is a tough row to hoe, but with networking and a strong resume, you can land the job of your dreams.

2. A Hard Nut To Crack

Definition and Meaning: A Hard Nut To Crack

This expression means that something is difficult to do or figure out.

A Hard Nut To Crack Example Sentences:

• The math problem was a hard nut to crack, and none of us could figure out the solution.
• The new security system was a hard nut to crack, and it took the hackers days to get past it.
• The mystery of the missing person was a hard nut to crack, and the police were unable to solve it.
• The job interview was a hard nut to crack, and I was relieved when I finally got the job.
• The final exam was a hard nut to crack, and I had to study for hours to pass it.

3. Tall Order

Definition and Meaning: Tall Order

This expression means that the task at hand is going to be difficult to accomplish.

Tall Order Example Sentences:

• It’s a tall order to expect the team to finish the project in two weeks.
• It’s a tall order to ask the students to memorize the entire textbook.
• It’s a tall order to expect the company to double its profits in one year.
• It’s a tall order to ask the committee to come up with a solution in one day.
• It’s a tall order to expect the team to complete the task without any help.

4. Slippery Slope

Definition and Meaning: Slippery Slope

The expression “slippery slope” is often used to describe a situation where one small event or action leads to another event or action, which then leads to another event or action, and so on.

Slippery Slope Example Sentences:

• If we allow our children to watch one hour of television a day, it could be a slippery slope as they can beg for just a bit more every day.
• If we start to compromise our values in order to get ahead, it could be a slippery slope to us completely abandoning our morals.
• If we start to take on more debt to finance our lifestyle, it could be a slippery slope to us becoming overwhelmed with debt.
• If we start to make exceptions to our rules, it could be a slippery slope to us having no rules at all.
• If we start to make small changes to our diet, it could be a slippery slope to us completely changing our eating habits.

5. It’s A Long Shot

Definition and Meaning: It’s A Long Shot

It means that the chances of something happening are very slim.

It’s A Long Shot Example Sentences:

• I know it’s a long shot, but I’m going to try to get tickets to the sold-out concert.
• I’m hoping to get a promotion, but it’s a long shot since there are so many other qualified candidates.
• I’m going to try to win the lottery, but it’s a long shot.
• I’m going to apply to the top university, but it’s a long shot since I don’t have the best grades.
• I’m going to try to get a job at the company, but it’s a long shot since they only hire experienced professionals.

6. Tough Break

Definition and Meaning: Tough Break

This expression is often used to describe a situation in which someone has experienced a setback or a negative event.

Tough Break Example Sentences:

• I’m sorry to hear about your failed exam. That’s a tough break.
• I was so close to winning the competition, but I didn’t make it. Tough break.
• My car broke down on the way to work. That’s a tough break.
• I was laid off from my job. Tough break.
• My flight was canceled due to bad weather That’s a tough break.

7. Uphill Battle

Definition and Meaning: Uphill Battle

The expression “uphill battle” is used to describe a situation where it will be difficult to achieve a goal.

Uphill Battle Example Sentences:

• The new CEO is facing an uphill battle to turn the company around and restore its reputation.
• The small business owner is having an uphill battle to stay afloat in the competitive market.
• The environmental activist is fighting an uphill battle to get the government to take action on climate change.
• The teacher is having an uphill battle to get her students to understand the material.
• The political candidate is facing an uphill battle to win the election against the incumbent.

8. Close Call

Definition and Meaning: Close Call

A close call is an event or situation in which a person narrowly escapes injury or death.

Close Call Example Sentences:

• I almost missed my flight, it was a close call.
• I almost got into a car accident, it was a close call.
• I almost failed my math test, it was a close call.
• I almost got caught shoplifting, it was a close call.
• I almost got caught cheating on my exam, it was a close call.

9. Tough Call

Definition and Meaning: Tough Call

This expression means that it is difficult to decide between two choices.

Tough Call Example Sentences:

• Deciding between two job offers was a tough call.
• I’m not sure which car to buy, it’s a tough call.
• It’s a tough call whether to invest in stocks or bonds.
• Choosing between two universities was a tough call.
• Deciding whether to stay in the relationship or not was a tough call.

10. Hard Sell

Definition and Meaning: Hard Sell

The expression “hard sell” is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to sell something aggressively.

Hard Sell Example Sentences:

• The car salesman was giving us a hard sell, trying to convince us to buy the more expensive model.
• The real estate agent was giving us a hard sell, trying to get us to sign the contract right away.
• The insurance agent was giving us a hard sell, trying to get us to buy a more expensive policy.
• The travel agent was giving us a hard sell, trying to get us to book a more expensive vacation package.
• The investment advisor was giving us a hard sell, trying to get us to invest in a high-risk stock.

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