WordValean uphill battle
a struggle against difficult odds
In more detail
(idiom) a difficult struggle or fight that requires great effort and may be unlikely to succeed
Examples
- Getting the new policy approved has been an uphill battle with so much opposition from management.
How to use an uphill battle
This idiom describes a struggle that is inherently difficult due to circumstances or opposition, with success uncertain despite effort. It is commonly used in sports, politics, business, and personal contexts to convey that one must work very hard with no guarantee of victory. The tone is realistic and somewhat pessimistic, acknowledging both the difficulty and the determination required.
Common phrases
- face an uphill battle
- it's an uphill battle
- fight an uphill battle
- uphill battle against
- uphill battle to
Synonyms
tough fight · uphill struggle · hard battle · losing battle · steep challenge
A common mistake
Learners sometimes say 'an uphill battle for' when they should say 'an uphill battle against' or 'an uphill battle to' (as in 'an uphill battle to win' rather than 'an uphill battle for winning').
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