do the hard way

do (something) the hard way

To do something by using the most challenging method, or at least not the easiest method. Of course he crawled in though the window instead of just opening the unlocked back door—he has to do everything the hard way.
See also: hard, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

do something the hard way

to accomplish something in the most difficult manner, rather than by an easier way. I made it to this job the hard way. I came up through the ranks. She did it the hard way. She had no help from her parents.
See also: hard, way
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

do/learn something the ˈhard way

learn something from experience, especially when this is unpleasant: I learned the hard way not to trust door-to-door salesmen. Why do you always do everything the hard way?
See also: hard, learn, something, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • do (something) the hard way
  • do something the hard way
  • do/learn something the hard way
  • any old how
  • my
  • cross the stream where it is shallowest
  • your
  • her
  • his
  • their