no picnic
Far from easy
Something described as no picnic is difficult, unpleasant, or demanding—the opposite of a leisurely outdoor meal.
The phrase emphasizes that an experience requires real effort or endurance: Raising three kids alone is no picnic.
The exam was no picnic, but I think I passed.
- uphill battleDifficult prolonged endeavor
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
- arduousDemanding strenuous effort
- rough goingArduous progress through obstacles
tough slog · adversity · ordeal · struggle · heavy lifting · stress · frustration · complex · despair · trial · steep climb · workplace conflict · obstacle · discouragement · anxiety · grueling · discomfort · complication
- challengeschallenge, difficult, hard, challenging, tough
difficulty/ease
no picnica breeze
a walk in the park · child's play · easy as pie · plain sailing · effortless
pleasantness of experience
no picnica treat
Enjoyable surprise or gift
fun and games · enjoyable · smooth sailing · pleasant · delightful