"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means a complicated struggle or challenge. It refers to a task that requires a lot of effort and determination and has little chance of success.
In short:
- It means a difficult situation that requires a lot of effort and determination to overcome.
The idiom "an uphill battle" means a difficult task or situation requiring much effort and determination. It implies that one faces obstacles or opposition that make the goal harder to achieve. The phrase is synonymous with fighting against the odds, the circumstances, or the expectations. You are doing something that is not easy or simple.
The origin of "an uphill battle" can be traced back to the literal idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance. You must exert more energy and effort than on flat or downhill terrain. In addition, you might feel tired or discouraged. Furthermore, you might face resistance from the wind, the weather, or other factors. All these factors make your journey harder and more challenging.
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:
Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:
Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this idiom:
Here are some frequently asked questions about this expression:
"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means a complicated struggle or challenge. It refers to a task that requires a lot of effort and determination and has little chance of success.
The origin of "an uphill battle" can be traced back to the literal idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance.
An uphill battle is a very difficult struggle or challenge, while a downhill battle is a very easy or effortless one. The expressions are opposites of each other, based on the physical experience of going uphill or downhill.
"An uphill battle" is a metaphor, which is a figure of speech that compares two things without using words like "as" or "like." A simile is a metaphor that uses those words to make the comparison explicit. For example, "Life is an uphill battle" is a metaphor, while "Life is like an uphill battle" is a simile.
Some synonyms for "an uphill battle" are a tough slog, a hard nut to crack, a tall order, a long shot, a Herculean task, and a David and Goliath situation. Depending on the context and tone, you can use these synonyms interchangeably with an uphill battle.
Setting realistic and achievable goals, breaking down big tasks into smaller steps, seeking help and support from others, staying positive and motivated, learning from mistakes and failures, celebrating progress and success, and never giving up.
Some idioms related to "an uphill battle" are an uphill struggle, an uphill task, an uphill fight, an uphill climb, an uphill run, an uphill job, and an uphill race. These idioms have the same meaning as "an uphill battle" but use different nouns to describe the situation.
"An uphill battle" is usually negative, implying the situation is demanding and challenging. However, it can also be positive, depending on how you view it. For some people, an uphill battle can be seen as an opportunity to grow, learn, improve, or prove themselves. For others, an uphill battle can be seen as a source of excitement, adventure, or fun.
"An uphill battle" can become easier with proper planning, support, and strategy. However, it often remains a challenging endeavor throughout.
Similar idiomatic expressions exist in other languages to convey the idea of a challenging task, but the specific phrase "an uphill battle" is unique to English.
"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means an arduous struggle or challenge. It comes from the idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance.
Some key points to remember about the phrase:
