Top 31 Slang For More Difficult – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing difficulty in a more casual and relatable way, slang terms can come in handy. Whether you’re navigating a tough situation or just looking to spice up your vocabulary, our team has got you covered with a curated list of slang for more difficult scenarios. Get ready to level up your language game and add some flair to your everyday conversations!

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1. Tough nut to crack

This phrase is used to describe a difficult problem or situation that is not easily solved or overcome. It implies that the problem or situation requires a lot of effort and perseverance to understand or resolve.

For example, “The math problem was a tough nut to crack, but I finally figured it out.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might say, “Finding a solution to climate change is a tough nut to crack.”
A manager might describe a challenging project as “a tough nut to crack,“a tough nut to crack, but we’ll get through it.”

2. Rough going

This phrase is used to describe a difficult or challenging experience or period of time. It suggests that things are not going smoothly or easily, and there are obstacles or hardships to overcome.

For instance, “Starting a new business can be rough going, especially in the first year.”
Someone going through a tough time might say, “Life has been rough going lately, but I’m staying positive.”
A traveler might describe a challenging hike as “rough going,“rough going, but the views at the top were worth it.”

3. Hard as nails

This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely tough, strong, or resilient. It suggests that the person is not easily affected by difficulties or challenges and can endure or withstand tough situations.

For example, “The boxer was hard as nails and could take a punch without flinching.”
A coach might describe a player as “hard as nails” for their ability to persevere through injuries.
Someone might say, “She’s hard as nails when it comes to negotiating contracts.”

4. Steep learning curve

This phrase is used to describe a learning process that is difficult or challenging. It suggests that acquiring new skills or knowledge requires a significant amount of effort and time.

For instance, “Learning to play the piano has a steep learning curve, but it’s rewarding once you get the hang of it.”
A student might describe a difficult course as having “a steep learning curve.”
Someone learning a new language might say, “The grammar rules are complex, so there’s definitely a steep learning curve.”

5. Up against it

This phrase is used to describe being in a difficult or challenging situation or facing a tough challenge. It implies that there are obstacles or difficulties to overcome and suggests a sense of urgency or pressure.

For example, “We’re up against it with this deadline. We’ll need to work extra hard to meet it.”
A team preparing for a tough competition might say, “We know we’re up against it, but we’re ready to give it our all.”
Someone facing financial difficulties might say, “I’m up against it right now, but I’m determined to find a solution.”

6. Not a walk in the park

This phrase is used to describe a task or situation that is not easy or straightforward. It implies that the task requires effort, perseverance, and possibly overcoming obstacles.

For example, “Writing a novel is not a walk in the park. It takes dedication and discipline.”
Someone might say, “Learning a new language is not a walk in the park, but it’s worth the effort.”
When faced with a difficult problem, a person might say, “Finding a solution won’t be a walk in the park, but we’ll figure it out.”

7. Herculean task

This phrase originates from Greek mythology and refers to a task that requires exceptional strength, effort, or skill to accomplish. It implies that the task is almost impossible or requires superhuman abilities.

For instance, “Cleaning the entire house in one day is a Herculean task.”
When faced with a daunting project, someone might say, “It’s going to be a Herculean task, but we’ll get it done.”
A person might describe a challenging assignment as, “The professor gave us a Herculean task to complete by the end of the week.”

8. Grindstone

This term refers to the act of working hard or putting in significant effort to achieve a goal. It implies a sense of persistence, determination, and focus on the task at hand.

For example, “She’s always got her nose to the grindstone, studying for exams.”
When discussing a challenging project, someone might say, “We need to put our noses to the grindstone and get it done.”
A person might advise, “If you want to succeed, you need to keep your shoulder to the grindstone and never give up.”

9. Heavy going

This phrase is used to describe a situation or task that is progressing slowly or with great difficulty. It implies that there are obstacles, challenges, or complexities that make the progress challenging.

For instance, “The first few chapters of the book were heavy going, but it got better.”
When discussing a slow project, someone might say, “It’s been heavy going, but we’re making progress.”
A person might describe a challenging course as, “The material is heavy going, but I’m determined to understand it.”

10. Uphill battle

This phrase is used to describe a situation or task that is challenging, requiring significant effort and perseverance to overcome obstacles or opposition. It implies that progress is difficult and may require constant effort.

For example, “Getting the bill passed through Congress was an uphill battle.”
When discussing a challenging goal, someone might say, “It’s going to be an uphill battle, but we won’t give up.”
A person might describe a difficult relationship as, “Navigating our differences is an uphill battle, but we’re working on it.”

11. Pounding the pavement

This phrase refers to actively searching for a job, often by going door-to-door or submitting resumes and applications to various companies. It implies the determination and effort required to find employment.

For example, a career advisor might say, “If you want to find a job, you need to start pounding the pavement and networking.”
A person discussing their job search might say, “I’ve been pounding the pavement for weeks, but still no luck.”
In a conversation about the difficulties of finding work, someone might mention, “Pounding the pavement can be exhausting, but it’s necessary to land a job.”

12. Swimming upstream

This expression is used to describe the act of going against the current or prevailing opinion. It implies facing resistance or difficulties in pursuing a different path or viewpoint.

For instance, in a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “I feel like I’m swimming upstream with my opinion.”
In a conversation about challenging societal norms, a person might mention, “Sometimes it feels like swimming upstream to live authentically.”
A person discussing their career choices might say, “I decided to swim upstream and pursue my passion, even though it goes against the traditional career path.”

13. Climbing a mountain

This phrase is used metaphorically to describe the process of overcoming a significant obstacle or challenge. It implies the effort, perseverance, and determination required to achieve success.

For example, in a discussion about starting a business, someone might say, “Entrepreneurship is like climbing a mountain, but the view from the top is worth it.”
A person discussing their personal journey might say, “I’ve faced many obstacles, but each one feels like climbing a mountain and reaching new heights.”
In a conversation about achieving goals, someone might mention, “It’s important to break big goals into smaller steps, like climbing a mountain one step at a time.”

14. Walking on hot coals

This phrase is used to describe the act of facing a difficult or potentially dangerous situation. It implies the need for caution, resilience, and careful navigation.

For instance, in a discussion about a high-pressure work environment, someone might say, “Every day feels like walking on hot coals.”
A person discussing a conflict might say, “Dealing with my difficult coworker is like walking on hot coals.”
In a conversation about a challenging project, someone might mention, “We’re walking on hot coals trying to meet the tight deadline.”

15. Running into a brick wall

This expression is used to describe the experience of facing a significant barrier or difficulty that hinders progress. It implies the frustration and lack of progress when confronted with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

For example, in a discussion about problem-solving, someone might say, “I’ve been running into a brick wall trying to find a solution.”
A person discussing their creative process might say, “Sometimes I hit a mental block and feel like I’m running into a brick wall.”
In a conversation about overcoming challenges, someone might mention, “Persistence is key when you’re running into a brick wall. Keep trying different approaches.”

16. Battling an uphill struggle

This slang phrase refers to the act of fighting against difficult circumstances or trying to overcome a challenging situation. It implies that the task at hand is particularly tough and requires a lot of effort or determination.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve been battling an uphill struggle trying to find a job in this tough economy.”
In a sports context, a coach might motivate their team by saying, “We’re facing an uphill struggle, but if we work together, we can win this game.”
A person discussing their personal growth might say, “Overcoming addiction was an uphill struggle, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

17. Facing an uphill climb

Similar to “battling an uphill struggle,” this phrase describes the act of confronting or dealing with a difficult situation. It suggests that the task or goal ahead is demanding and requires significant effort to accomplish.

For instance, a student might say, “I’m facing an uphill climb trying to pass all my exams this semester.”
In a business context, someone might comment, “Launching a startup is always an uphill climb, but it’s worth it in the end.”
A person discussing their weight loss journey might say, “Losing 50 pounds was an uphill climb, but I’m proud of my progress.”

18. Rough around the edges

This slang phrase describes something or someone that is not yet fully developed or refined. It suggests that there are still imperfections or areas for improvement.

For example, someone might say, “His public speaking skills are a bit rough around the edges, but with practice, he’ll improve.”
When describing a newly-built house, a person might comment, “The construction is still rough around the edges, but it has great potential.”
A person discussing their cooking skills might say, “I’m still learning, so my culinary creations are a bit rough around the edges.”

19. Up the creek without a paddle

This slang phrase is used to describe someone who is in a challenging or difficult situation with no easy way out. It implies being stuck or stranded without the necessary tools or resources to overcome the problem.

For instance, someone might say, “I lost my wallet and now I’m up the creek without a paddle – I have no money or identification.”
When describing a project gone wrong, a person might comment, “The team didn’t anticipate the challenges, and now we’re up the creek without a paddle.”
A person discussing a personal crisis might say, “After losing my job and my car breaking down, I feel like I’m up the creek without a paddle.”

20. Between a rock and a hard place

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is caught between two equally difficult or challenging options. It suggests that no matter which choice is made, there will be negative consequences.

For example, someone might say, “I’m between a rock and a hard place – if I go to the party, I’ll miss an important family event.”
When discussing a business decision, a person might comment, “We’re between a rock and a hard place – if we raise prices, we risk losing customers, but if we don’t, we’ll struggle to cover costs.”
A person discussing a relationship dilemma might say, “I’m between a rock and a hard place – if I stay, I’ll be unhappy, but if I leave, I’ll hurt someone I care about.”

21. Heavy lifting

This phrase refers to a task or responsibility that requires a lot of effort or hard work to accomplish.

For example, “The project manager assigned me the heavy lifting of organizing the event.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “The heavy lifting falls on the team captain to motivate and lead the players.”
Someone discussing a challenging work assignment might say, “I have a lot of heavy lifting to do to meet the deadline.”

22. Tough row to hoe

This phrase describes a difficult situation or task that requires a lot of effort to overcome or complete. It often implies a struggle or uphill battle.

For instance, “Starting a new business can be a tough row to hoe, but with determination, it can be successful.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “Dealing with a chronic illness is a tough row to hoe, but I remain positive.”
A coach might motivate their team by saying, “We have a tough row to hoe this season, but if we work together, we can achieve our goals.”

23. Nitty-gritty

This term refers to the essential or fundamental details of a situation, task, or problem. It often implies getting into the specifics or focusing on the most important aspects.

For example, “Before we start the project, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the budget and timeline.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might say, “Let’s skip the small talk and get down to the nitty-gritty.”
A manager might ask their team, “Have we considered all the nitty-gritty details of this proposal?”

24. Hard row to hoe

Similar to “tough row to hoe,” this phrase describes a difficult situation or task that requires a lot of effort to overcome or complete. It implies a challenging and demanding endeavor.

For instance, “Being a single parent is a hard row to hoe, but the rewards are worth it.”
In a work context, someone might say, “Leading a team through a major reorganization is a hard row to hoe, but it’s necessary for growth.”
A coach might motivate their team by saying, “We have a hard row to hoe this season, but with determination, we can come out on top.”

25. Tough cookie

This phrase is used to describe a person who is resilient, strong, or difficult to intimidate. It often implies that the person can handle challenging situations.

For example, “She may seem quiet, but she’s a tough cookie when it comes to negotiations.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “He’s a tough cookie on the field, never backing down from a challenge.”
Someone might compliment a friend by saying, “You’re a tough cookie for going through that difficult experience and coming out stronger.”

26. Rough and tumble

This phrase is used to describe a situation that is difficult or chaotic, often involving physical or emotional challenges.

For example, “Starting a new business can be rough and tumble, but it’s worth it in the end.”
In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Raising teenagers can be a rough and tumble experience.”
A sports commentator might describe a physical game as “a rough and tumble match.”

27. Like herding cats

This phrase is used to describe a situation where it is extremely difficult to control or organize a group of people or things.

For instance, “Trying to get all the kids to sit still for a family photo is like herding cats.”
In a work setting, someone might say, “Managing a team of creative individuals can sometimes feel like herding cats.”
A teacher might use this phrase to describe a classroom full of energetic students, saying, “Keeping the attention of a group of kindergarteners can be like herding cats.”

28. Like swimming upstream

This phrase is used to describe a situation where one is going against the norm or facing numerous obstacles.

For example, “Starting a new business in a saturated market can feel like swimming upstream.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Breaking free from old habits can be like swimming upstream.”
A student might use this phrase to describe the challenges of studying for a difficult exam, saying, “Preparing for this test feels like swimming upstream.”

29. Like banging your head against a wall

This phrase is used to describe a situation where one is repeatedly attempting something without making any progress or achieving the desired outcome.

For instance, “Trying to convince my stubborn friend to change their mind is like banging my head against a wall.”
In a discussion about work frustrations, someone might say, “Dealing with a difficult client can sometimes feel like banging your head against a wall.”
A person trying to fix a broken appliance might use this phrase to express their frustration, saying, “I’ve been trying to fix this for hours, and it’s like banging my head against a wall.”

30. Like pushing a boulder uphill

This phrase is used to describe a task or challenge that is extremely difficult and feels like it will never end.

For example, “Trying to meet a tight deadline with constant interruptions is like pushing a boulder uphill.”
In a discussion about personal struggles, someone might say, “Overcoming addiction can feel like pushing a boulder uphill.”
A student might use this phrase to describe the challenges of completing a long-term research project, saying, “Writing this thesis is like pushing a boulder uphill.”

31. Like walking through fire

This phrase is used to describe a situation or task that is incredibly hard or demanding, often causing extreme stress or discomfort.

For example, “Taking care of three young children while working full-time is like walking through fire.”
A student might say, “Studying for the bar exam feels like walking through fire.”
Someone going through a difficult breakup might express, “Dealing with heartbreak is like walking through fire.”