difficult

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a (difficult, hard, tough, etc.) needle to thread

A very narrow margin within which one must maneuver in order to accomplish or achieve something successfully. Likened to the eye of a needle, the tiny opening through which thread is passed before sewing. There are a lot of complicating factors, so we recognize that it is a difficult needle to thread, but we're doing our best to ensure that the legislation benefits the people who need it the most. The candidate now finds herself facing a particularly tough needle to thread, having to negotiate the desires of several wildly different groups of constituents. Keeping the company afloat without resorting to layoffs is going to be a hard needle to thread.

all things are difficult before they are easy

proverb Everything becomes easier over time, as we become more familiar with or adept at it. I know you're stressed about this new project, but just remember—all things are difficult before they are easy. I keep reminding myself that all things are difficult before they are easy, but starting my new job has still been a scary transition. Susie's having a tough time getting used to her new school. I just keep trying to remind her that all things are difficult before they are easy.

See also: all, before, difficult, easy, thing

bad times

Times of trouble, struggle, or unhappiness. I've had bad times since losing my job, but I'm trying to stay positive.

difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer

proverb Situations that are very challenging or seem hopeless take longer to complete than ones that are merely difficult. Kate is undeterred by any problem I bring her. She truly embraces the idea that difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer.

See also: difficult, done, impossible, little, longer, take

difficult times

Times of trouble, struggle, or unhappiness. I've had difficult times since losing my job, but I'm trying to stay positive.

learning curve

The rate at which something can be learned or mastered. The learning curve required to make use of this software will make it prohibitive for most inexperienced users. The video game has a steep learning curve at the beginning, though that may be part of its appeal for many hardcore gamers.

make life difficult (for one)

To cause a lot of problems, pressure, or stress (for one), perhaps by engaging in malicious or mean-spirited treatment (of one). Tom has been making life difficult ever since he found out I'd snitched on him to the boss about taking office supplies. There's a group of bullies who love making life difficult for us. This new schedule has been making life difficult for a lot of employees.

tread a/the (type of) path

To choose a particular kind of lifestyle that one commits to. My brother's always treaded a solitary path, no matter how much we reach out to him. You'll be treading a tough path if you decide to drop out of college now.

bad times

and difficult times; trying times; hard times; tough times

a period that offers difficulties, such as when there is not enough food, money, or work. We went through trying times when Perry was out of work, but we all bounced back.

difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer

Prov. Tasks that are only difficult are done immediately, harder tasks take longer. (Describes a very competent group or person.) The secretary in our office is extremely capable. She has a little sign on her desk that says, "The difficult is done at once; the impossible takes a little longer." In her case, it's not a joke.

See also: difficult, done, impossible, little, longer, take

make life ˈdifficult (for somebody)

cause problems for somebody: She does everything she can to make life difficult for him.

tread a difficult, solitary, etc. ˈpath

choose and follow a particular way of life, way of doing something, etc: A restaurant has to tread the tricky path between maintaining quality and keeping prices down.