ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tough sledding

idiom
Meaning

A situation in which it is difficult to proceed.


Examples
SIMPLE

Learning this new language is tough sledding for me.

CONTEXTUAL

The project faced tough sledding when the team lost their main source of funding halfway through the year.

COMPLEX

Despite his extensive preparation, the candidate found it tough sledding as the interviewers grilled him on the most technical aspects of his previous research.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    do it tough

    To be in a desperate situation; to struggle.

  2. 02

    hang tough

    To remain strong-willed or brave, especially when experiencing duress or adversity.

  3. 03

    rough sledding

    A difficult period of time.

  4. 04

    tough as nails

    Having a hard, strong, and determined mindset.

  5. 05

    tough break

    A situation resulting in misfortune or hardship; an instance of bad luck.

  6. 06

    tough call

    A choice or judgment which is difficult to make, especially one involving only two alternatives.

  7. 07

    tough case

    A person who is difficult to work with.

  8. 08

    tough cookies

    Too bad (for one); the outcome that one desires is not likely to change.

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