Hercules

labor of Hercules

A job, task, or activity that requires a huge amount of effort, energy, or physical strength. Sometimes used ironically or hyperbolically. But getting enough votes to pass the controversial legislation may prove to be a labor of Hercules. Sometimes it feels like finding a good burger that isn't the price of a sirloin steak is a labor of Hercules. It will be a labor of Hercules for them to dethrone the former champions in this year's Super Bowl, but they certainly have a shot.
See also: Hercules, labor, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a labour of Hercules

a task requiring enormous strength or effort.
In Greek mythology, Hercules was a man of superhuman strength and courage who performed twelve immense tasks or labours imposed on him as a penance for killing his children in a fit of madness. After his death he was ranked among the gods.
See also: Hercules, labour, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

labor of Hercules

A very difficult task. When the Greek hero Hercules was driven mad because of the goddess Hera's jealousy, he murdered his children. As atonement for his crime, he was obliged to perform twelve demanding tasks, such as slaying or capturing dangerous beasts, obtaining various prized and well-guarded possessions, and cleaning a very dirty stable in just one day. Hercules succeeded and was granted immortality and the hand of the now-mollified Hera's daughter. If your boss gives you an impossible assignment, especially that must be completed in a short time, you could show off your classical education by referring to it as a labor of Hercules.
See also: Hercules, labor, of
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • a labour of Hercules
  • get out with (one's) life
  • get out with life
  • everyone and their brother
  • as far as the eye can see
  • as far as the eye can/could see
  • be out for blood
  • be out for/after (one's) scalp
  • scalp
  • a reign of terror
References in periodicals archive
Under the terms of the Hercules Option Agreement Great Basin has granted an option (the "HGU Option") to HGU under which HGU must complete certain exploration expenditures over a three year period and make cash payments to Great Basin.
Iconic Disposes of its Interest in the Hercules Project, Nevada
The C-130J represents a complete reinvention of the legacy Hercules. Advanced avionics, two head-up displays, reduced crew requirements, automated maintenance systems, upgraded engines and Dowty six-bladed propellers help the C-130J go further and faster than older models.
Hercules and Saudi Arabia: A historic partnership
For more info, visit the Hercules official website: https://herc.one/
ANTHEMGOLD USES HERCULES BLOCKCHAIN PROTOCOL
Hercules is a manufacturer of high quality, custom, controlled environment doors.
Senneca Holdings Acquires Door Manufacturer Hercules from Kingspan
The Hercules plays a vital role in firefighting by dispersing retardant to contain and control fires in locations with complex terrain and compromised operating conditions.
Lockheed Martin introduces LM-100J 'FireHerc' at Farnborough International Airshow
In a stock exchange notification sent to PSX on Tuesday, Dawood Hercules's board gave go-ahead for making equity investment and short-term loan in Edotco Pakistan.
Dawood Hercules selling its shareholding in Hubco to acquire 45 percent stake in Edotco Pakistan
Just one month after the publication of Van Jason ende Hercules, van Doesborch completed printing Die historie vanden stercken Hercules [The Story of the Strong Hercules] (Fig.
Raoul Lefevre in Dutch: Two 1521 Editions of the Antwerp Printer Jan van Doesborch
Hercules' capture of the Erymanthian Boar, a tempting subject for artists, has been immortalized on coins and amphora; on a Roman sarcophagus; in paintings, films, and sketches; and through myriad sculptures.
An immortal hero, an enduring challenge
Top brass, aware the next campaign will be a lot tamer without Hercules, are set to draw a lion (sorry, line) on any transfer request.
TRANSFUR RUMOURS! US team eyes one of the few stars of Villa's season... Hercules the mascot
Showjumping champ Maggie and her professional wrestler husband Andy raised Hercules from a cub and lived with him at home in Scotland for 25 years.
We brought Hercules up as if he was our son.. he was like a big person in a fur coat; BIG READ MAGGIE'S BOOK ON LIFE WITH GRIZZLY.. 15 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH
At the Hercules plant in Warren, MI, Rexcon wired and installed controls on a 4,000 ton Danly straight side stamping press with hydraulic cushions and four 1,000 ton underdrive presses.
Hercules Machine Tool & Die Expansion Powered by Electrex Industrial Solutions
Amateur astronomers know the constellation Hercules for a spherical glow shot through with glittering pinpricks of light.
Getting to know "The Kneeler": Hercules holds a number of unfamiliar yet wondrous objects
The New Zealand Defence Force may soon acquire at least two or four C-17s to replace its ageing C-130 Hercules fleet and Boeing 757 transport aircraft.
New Zealand Considers Replacing Ageing Hercules Fleet With Bigger Boeing C-17s
HERCULES will launch on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and DVD November 4, 2014 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.
HERCULES LAUNCHES ON BLU-RAY COMBO PACK
Eddie Murphy's ruined it for me slightly, making it hard to hear the name of a certain Greek demigod without flashbacks to Mama Klump (Eddie in old-lady makeup) shouting "HercuLES! HercuLES!" in The Nutty Professor.
Film review: HERCULES **