hard sledding

hard sledding

A difficult, turbulent, or troublesome period of time. This administration has gone through some hard sledding over the last year, but the president is determined to regain the trust and support of the American people. Even some of the wealthier areas of the country must brace for hard sledding as fresh austerity measures come into effect. The book is notoriously hard sledding, but if you're able to stick with it, it is a rewarding experience.

See also: hard, sledding

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

hard sledding

 and tough sledding

Fig. a very difficult time. They had some hard sledding when they were first married. It was tough sledding for sure when our crops failed that year.

See also: hard, sledding

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

hard/tough sledding

A difficult route, difficult progress. Dating from the first half of the nineteenth century, this term alludes to the usual ease with which a sled travels toward some goal. The antonyms easy or smooth sledding date from the late nineteenth century.

See also: hard, sledding, tough

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer