English Reference
Idiom idiom

make heavy going of


to make heavy weather of

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He makes heavy going of simple tasks.

CONTEXTUAL

The student makes heavy going of his homework because he refuses to use a dictionary.

COMPLEX

Although the project was straightforward, the manager made heavy going of the presentation, turning a simple update into a confusing and exhausting ordeal for the entire team.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  3. 03

    coming and going

    A general bustle of activity.

  4. 04

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  5. 05

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  6. 06

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  7. 07

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

  8. 08

    going away

    Ahead of the competitors and still increasing the lead.

Last updated August 10, 2026