tough going
Difficult to progress
Tough going describes a situation or task that is difficult to get through.
The phrase treats progress like physical movement across terrain—when the going gets tough, advancement slows: The first chapter was tough going, but the book picks up.
Often used for experiences that require sustained effort: Recovery was tough going for the first few weeks.
- difficultRequiring much effort
- hardFirm or demanding
- challengingHard to accomplish
- arduousDemanding strenuous effort
- steep climbSharply angled upward path
grueling · rough · hard nut to crack · endurance · demanding · no picnic · onerous · hard slog · uphill battle · hard row to hoe · tight spot · grit · rough patch · slog · long haul · stamina · laborious · rough road
tough goingeasy
Requiring minimal effort
smooth sailing · effortless · a breeze · a walk in the park · plain sailing
tough, going, gone, tougher, toughest, toughly, toughness, toughen, toughened