- A very difficult struggle, task, or effort that requires great determination.
- Implies significant obstacles and resistance.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the literal difficulty of physically climbing or fighting up a steep hill.
- Gravity and terrain work against you, making progress slow and strenuous.
- Used figuratively since the early 19th century to describe any difficult endeavor.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- A real grind
- Tough going
- Hard yards (Aus/NZ/UK)
- Like pulling teeth (esp. for persuading someone reluctant)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- A bitch of a job / A son of a bitch (referring to the task)
- A fuckin' struggle / nightmare
More Formal:
- Formidable challenge
- Arduous task
- Difficult undertaking
- Significant obstacles remain
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for both informal and formal contexts when describing significant challenges.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- While the literal meaning is intuitive, ensure learners grasp its application to any challenging situation (mental, social, political, physical).
Examples
- Getting the new policy approved by everyone was an uphill battle.
- Recovering from the serious accident was an uphill battle for him.
- Changing people's long-held beliefs can be an uphill battle.
Dialogue
Activist: Raising awareness about this issue is proving to be an uphill battle.
Supporter: I know, there's a lot of misinformation out there. But don't give up! Your work is important.
Activist: Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement.
Social Media Examples
- Trying to get funding for our non-profit is a constant uphill battle, but the cause is worth it! #NonProfitLife #Fundraising #KeepFighting
- Learning coding from scratch feels like an uphill battle sometimes, but celebrating the small wins! 💻 #CodingJourney #NeverGiveUp
Response Patterns
- Acknowledging difficulty: That sounds really tough., I can imagine.
- Offering encouragement/support: Good luck with that., You can do it!, Let me know if I can help in any way.
- Expressing sympathy: I'm sorry you're facing that.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone describes a situation as an uphill battle:
- Ask about the specific challenges: What makes it so difficult?
- Inquire about their approach: What's your plan?, How are you tackling it?
- Ask about the chances of success: Do you think it's possible?
- Offer concrete support or resources if appropriate.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used to describe an existing difficult situation.
Intonation
- Emphasis on uphill and battle.
- Often said with a tone reflecting the difficulty or challenge.
- It's going to be an UPHILL BATTLE.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions.