get over the hump

1. To get past the worst, most difficult, or most stressful part (of something). I know this project has been trying, but we've finally gotten over the hump. Everything should go smoothly now. I feel confident that we're getting over the hump of this economic recession We've finally gotten over the hump with this research. All that's left to do are citations

2. To manage to overcome 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 over 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. I think that team could get over the hump if they just added one more star player.

3. To be more than halfway done (with something). OK, that's mile five of our run done, so we've officially gotten 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 over the hump, but you're not counting down the minutes until the weekend like you do on Friday. A: "Ugh, we've been cleaning out the garage for hours, and we still haven't gotten over the hump." B: "I know, look at all that junk that's still left!"