Hard Idioms

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no pain, no gain

Meaning: it is necessary to work hard or strive to reap rewards

Example: If you want to win the title next month, you have to train for an extra hour every day next week. No pain, no gain. Read more ➺


crack the whip

Meaning: make someone work harder by asserting power or authority

Example: We'd better get some work done, or he'll crack the whip when he gets back from his tea break. Read more ➺


bitter pill

Meaning: something unpleasant to be endured

Example: Finding out that she was adopted was a hard pill for Hailey to take. Read more ➺


a hard nut to crack

Meaning: a problem that is difficult to solve

Example: She's such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her. Read more ➺


call of duty

Meaning: something you must do or feel compelled to do

Example: Both of my grandfathers felt it was their call of duty to enlist immediately for active service when the war broke out. Read more ➺


a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor

Meaning: Challenges are necessary to develop strength, skill, and resilience.

Example: She welcomed the criticism because a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Read more ➺


pull your socks up

Meaning: to be determined to work very hard

Example: The company needs you to pull your socks up now that the market condition is so bad. Read more ➺


strive to do

Meaning: to try very hard to achieve

Example: This is perhaps the only politician that I have come across who strives to do what he promised. Read more ➺


hive of activity

Meaning: a very busy place

Example: The restaurant on this weekend will be a hive of activities. Read more ➺


go the extra mile

Meaning: to make an extra effort

Example: When it comes to weaker students, the teacher goes the extra mile to help them understand. Read more ➺


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