an uphill task
Meaning(s)
1. a challenging job or chore that is daunting from the outset
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
the journey/project/assignment was going to be an uphill task
Analysis
'An uphill task' is one which appears to be daunting or is challenging and requires a large amount of effort from the beginning. This is an idiomatic expression used in social and professional contexts and probably comes from the Myth of Sysiphys who had the task of pushing a huge rock uphill every day. A similar phrase is 'a daunting task'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- The student's final year assignment was going to be an uphill task due to the early deadline and heavy workload.
- The journey to the top of the mountain was literally an uphill task due to the adverse weather conditions.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- We have 3 days to complete this order. I know it's going to be an uphill task, but I have faith in your ability to see things through.
- Increasing sales is always an uphill task that's why we value our sales team as an important part of the business.