This is lesson 9 from Idiom Part 3. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 3- Lesson 9- Idioms for talking about Easy or Difficult Things
1- Dead easy = Extremely simple or easy to do.
The math quiz was so short and simple it was dead easy.
2- It was all plain sailing = Everything went smoothly and without problems.
Once we solved the initial technical glitch, it was all plain sailing from there.
3- The home straight = The final part of a task or journey.
We’ve finished most of the work, we’re finally on the home straight.
4- Take the bull by the horns = To face a difficult or dangerous situation bravely and directly.
Instead of avoiding the issue, she decided to take the bull by the horns and talk to her manager.
5- Take it in your stride = To deal with something difficult or unpleasant in a calm and accepting way.
He didn’t get the promotion, but he took it in his stride.
6- He’s a tough nut to crack = A person who is difficult to understand or deal with.
I’ve tried talking to him several times, but he’s a tough nut to crack.
7- There was nothing to it = Something was easier than expected.
I was worried about changing the tire, but in the end, there was nothing to it.
8- An uphill struggle = A difficult task that requires a lot of effort.
Convincing them to invest in our idea is an uphill struggle.
9- Easier said than done = Something is easy to talk about but hard to actually do.
Starting your own business sounds great, but it’s easier said than done.
10- Heavy going = Something or someone that is difficult to understand or deal with.
The textbook was so technical, it was really heavy going.
11- Learn the hard way = To learn through personal experience, often unpleasant or difficult.
I learned the hard way that you can’t trust everyone in business.
12- Out of (my) depth = Not having enough knowledge or ability to deal with something.
I tried taking advanced physics, but this course is out of my depth.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
