task

an uphill battle/fight/struggle

if something you are trying to do is an uphill struggle, it is very difficult, often because other people are causing problems for you. Environmentalists face an uphill struggle convincing people to use their cars less. We're trying to expand our business, but it's an uphill battle.

See also: battle, fight

take someone to task

to criticize someone angrily for something that they have done. She took my father to task for getting drunk at my cousin's wedding. (often + for)

See also: take

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take someone to task

to criticize someone. We have gotten many letters that take us to task for including swear words in the dictionary. The article takes to task those movie stars who look like they just rolled out of bed.

See also: take