Hard Tasks: English Vocabulary List

with difficulty or extra effort

"We can fit six people in the car at a push."

"At a push we could finish the project by Friday if everyone works late every night this week."

to start to deal with an inevitable challenge or difficulty

"I bit the bullet today."

"Although the task was daunting, she decided to bite the bullet and complete the difficult project."

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

"Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow."

"Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team that had trained so hard all year."

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

"Getting a good job is easier said than done."

"Losing weight is easier said than done because it requires a lot of discipline and willpower every single day."

a situation that is complicated, awkward, or annoying

"This is a fine kettle of fish."

"Forgetting the tickets created a pretty kettle of fish for everyone."

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

"He is a hard nut."

"The math problem was a tough nut to crack for the students."

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

"You have your work cut out for you."

"With only two days left to finish the report she has her work cut out for her."

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

"I have never done this before, but here goes nothing."

"She stepped up to the podium, took a deep breath, and whispered here goes nothing before her first major speech."

to try to do something that is very unlikely to accomplish

"Getting money from him is like getting blood from a stone."

"Asking my brother for help is like getting blood out of a turnip."

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

"This record takes some beating."

"Her performance in the competition was so outstanding that it will undoubtedly take some beating for future athletes."

a very difficult or unreasonable request

"Finishing the project alone is a tall order."

"Finishing the project alone is a tall order and she will probably need help to meet the deadline."

used to emphasize that doing something is not easy at all

"Moving house is no picnic."

"Working two jobs while studying is definitely no picnic."