tough going: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tough going’ mean?
The idiom "tough going" means that a situation or task is difficult or challenging. It implies that progress or success is not easily achieved and requires a lot of effort and perseverance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "weather the storm" means to endure or survive a difficult or challenging situation, often through perseverance and resilience.
The idiom "weather the storm" is a common phrase in the English language, with a clear meaning and historical origins. It refers to the ability to endure or withstand a difficult or challenging situation. This idiom is widely understood in both spoken and written English.
The idiom "uphill battle" means facing a difficult task or challenge that requires great effort and perseverance to overcome. It implies that progress and success will be hard to achieve due to the opposing forces or obstacles involved.
The idiom "turn the corner" means to start making progress or improving after a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "turn a corner" means to make progress or experience a positive change, especially after a difficult or challenging period.
The idiom "turn a corner" is a commonly used expression in the English language, typically conveying the idea of making progress, overcoming difficulties, or experiencing a positive change in a situation. It is a metaphorical phrase that has its roots in physical movement and spatial orientation.
The idiom "tough tuchus" is an informal expression used to describe someone as strong-willed or resilient, often in the face of adversity or challenges. It implies that the person has a tough and determined nature.
The idiom *tough sledding* refers to a difficult or challenging situation that requires great effort to overcome.
The idiom "tough nut to crack" means a difficult problem or challenge that is hard to solve or overcome.
The idiom "toughen up" means to become emotionally or mentally stronger and more resilient, often by facing and enduring difficult or challenging situations.
Navigating Challenges
Tough going is an English idiom that describes a difficult or challenging situation or task. The word "tough" in this idiom means difficult or hard. It can be associated with situations that require great effort, resilience, or endurance to overcome. The adjective tough dates back to the 1300s and has been used to describe anything that is strong, sturdy, durable, or resilient. The idiom appeals to the metaphorical representation of progress as a physical journey, where the going refers to the state of progress or movement.
The idiom "tough going" signifies a challenging or arduous journey or task. It implies that the progress or movement towards a goal or outcome is difficult and requires significant effort or struggle. It suggests that the individual facing the tough going may encounter obstacles or setbacks along the way that make the process even more challenging. This idiom is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing the difficulty of a project, the challenges of a career, the struggles of a relationship, or the hardships of a particular phase in life.
One related idiom is "do it tough." This idiom is similar to tough going in that it also describes a difficult or challenging situation. However, "do it tough" emphasizes the individual's attitude or approach towards the tough situation. It implies that the person is willing to endure and persevere through the hardships. For example, someone might say, "I know it's tough, but we have to do it tough and push through."
Another related idiom is "tough sledding." This idiom is often used to describe a challenging or difficult situation that feels like trying to sled through rough or icy terrain. It conveys the idea that progress or movement is slow and arduous. For example, someone might say, "The first few months of starting a new business can be tough sledding, but things get easier with time and experience."
When facing tough going, whether it's doing it tough or experiencing tough sledding, it's important to stay resilient and determined. Difficulties and challenges are a natural part of life, and overcoming them can lead to personal growth and achievement. By acknowledging the challenges and maintaining a positive mindset, individuals can navigate through the tough going and work towards their goals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom tough going can be used in a sentence:
- Completing this project is tough going, but we are determined to finish it on time.
- Despite facing many obstacles, he is not giving up and pushing through the tough going.
- The road to success is often tough going, requiring hard work and perseverance.
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