tough nuts to crack
Formidable problems ahead
Tough nuts to crack is an idiom that is used to characterize difficult problems, mysteries, or challenges.
The phrase is usually used in the plural, but when the singular is used it refers to a particular instance of a problem, challenge, or mystery.
- problemsSituations needing resolution
- difficultiesProblems to overcome
- mysteriesUnexplained phenomena or events
- puzzlesProblems designed to challenge
- brain teaserProblem requiring clever thought
head scratcher · challenges · tall order · perplexities · hurdles · obstacles · stumbling block · hard row to hoe · dilemmas · rock and a hard place · sticky wicket · inscrutability · impediments · twisters · cryptograms · Gordian knot · posers · impasse
tough nuts to crackeasy as pie
Extremely simple to accomplish
piece of cake · no-brainers · cakewalk · child's play · walk in the park
tough nuts to crackopen books
People easily understood
pushovers · easy marks · soft touches · softies · willing participants
tough, toughs, tougher, toughest, toughly, toughness, toughen, toughened, toughening