the hump
1. The most difficult or unpleasant part of a task or situation. I had a hard time adjusting to my new job, but I'm over the hump now that it's been a few months. We've finally pushed past the hump with this research. All that's left to do are citations.
2. Some internal obstacle, impasse, or inhibition preventing one from succeeding or progressing. Used especially in sports. The team had several chances to take the lead, but they just couldn't get past the hump and defeat their opponents. We've been so close to making the playoffs for the last few seasons, always falling short at the last minute. This time, we're going to do whatever it takes to get over the hump.
3. The halfway point. OK, that's mile five of our run done, so we're officially over the hump. Don't give up now, just five more to go! I actually think Thursday is the easiest day of the week to get through—you've gotten past the hump, but you're not counting down the minutes until the weekend like you do on Friday.
4. Feelings of annoyance or irritation because one thinks that another has wronged them. Primarily heard in UK. Jenny often feels like she's left out of things, so she'll get the hump if you don't bring her a cupcake too.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
hump
verbhump
1. tv. & in. to copulate [with] someone. (Refers to male arching his back in copulation, as in fornicate. Usually objectionable.) The sailor spent his entire leave drinking and humping.
2. n. an act of copulation. (Usually objectionable.) The sailor said he needed a hump and left the ship for the port.
3. n. a person who will copulate without much persuasion. (Usually objectionable.) He’s okay as a hump, but he can’t dance.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.