# have a mountain to climb

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-mountain-to-climb
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To face a difficult task or challenge.

## Examples

- We have a mountain to climb to finish this project on time.
- After losing the first three games of the season, the team knows they have a mountain to climb to reach the playoffs.
- Given the severe budget cuts and the tight deadline, the new manager realized she had a mountain to climb if she wanted to save the department.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.