hard sledding
Uphill battle ahead
Hard sledding is difficult progress or a challenging situation, from the image of pulling a sled over ground with little snow: It was hard sledding getting the bill through committee.
The phrase suggests effort that yields slow results.
Also appears as tough sledding or heavy sledding.
Frames jumped in races
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- roadblocksObstructions blocking forward movement
- hindrancesThings that obstruct progress
complications · stumbling blocks · bottlenecks · constraints · snags · pitfalls · difficulties · challenges
Strenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- exertionVigorous physical effort
- grindCrush into particles
- slogLaborious persistent effort
drudgery · strain · sweat · travail · heavy lifting · legwork · elbow grease · blood sweat and tears
Persistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
resolve · resilience · steadfastness · willpower · stamina · patience · dedication · commitment
Adverse circumstance or event
- setbackReverse in progress
- tribulationState of great distress
- ordealDifficult, painful experience
- plightDifficult, dangerous situation
predicament · calamity · disaster · trouble · distress · affliction · woe · misery
hurdles
Frames jumped in races
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- roadblocksObstructions blocking forward movement
hindrances · complications · stumbling blocks · bottlenecks · constraints · snags · pitfalls · difficulties · challenges · obstructions
toil
Strenuous, prolonged effort
slog · drudgery · strain · sweat · travail · heavy lifting · legwork · elbow grease · blood sweat and tears · grunt work
tenacity
Persistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
fortitude · resolve · resilience · steadfastness · willpower · stamina · patience · dedication · commitment · discipline
misfortune
Adverse circumstance or event
- setbackReverse in progress
- tribulationState of great distress
- ordealDifficult, painful experience
plight · predicament · calamity · disaster · trouble · distress · affliction · woe · misery · catastrophe
hard sleddingsmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
easy going · clear sailing · plain sailing · a breeze · a walk in the park
hard, sled, harder, hardest, harden, hardened, hardening, hardness, hardly