tough going

tough going

Particularly difficult, arduous, or trying forward progress. I know the first few months have been pretty tough going, but I really believe that the company will start seeing major successes soon. Most of the hike is easy enough, but it really gets to be tough going once you get closer to the summit.
See also: going, tough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tough going

progress that is difficult. It was tough going for the first few miles, but the trail became much easier as we got farther into the forest.
See also: going, tough
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • make hard work of (something)
  • make hard work of something
  • slow going
  • in a pretty pickle
  • put off the evil day
  • put off the evil hour
  • pretty much
  • pretty much/well
  • sit pretty
  • sitting pretty
References in periodicals archive
"It'll be tough going there, it's an artificial pitch, we've never been there before," Coady said.
Attitude is key to Europa progress
It wasn't easy and I only scored 30 in the first session, so it was tough going at times.
Opener Sibley won't be moved; SPORTS SHORTS CRICKET
"It's always tough going to Saints but we've done everything right over the weekend and recovery is key.
FC'S JAKE-UP CALL AHEAD OF MASSIVE SAINTS TEST
"We have got to do it tough going to Catalans, but they are doing the same amount of travelling, so no excuses."
LIAM'S EASTER WISH
It was really tough going against York's 1-2-2 zone defense."
Experienced York opens with win over Maine West
"We knew it was going to be really tough going against DJ and Rickie, two fantastic players.
Hatton and Casey going in for the chill
It's tough going for Elias Kachunga against Brighton
Hughton admits his side were off the pace
World number one Pliskova, who is still without a Grand Slam singles title in the adult ranks, found it tough going to assume dominance against slender American Nicole Gibbs in round two and the Czech could struggle to boss Gibbs' muscle-bound compatriot Vandeweghe.
Brittle Pliskova set to be turned over
'It will be tough going for us but we are here to put up a good performance and we look forward to exciting cricket in next few days,' he told media men here on Tuesday at National cricket academy after a practice session.
Series in Pakistan a tough venture, Australian army cricket captain
He is bloody fuming about his schooldays, hope he cheers up in the next 350 pages or this could be tough going Josh Widdicombe@joshwiddicombe Why is Cameron wearing a high visibility jacket, and a hard hat?
tweet week
Gray said: "The game was a typical FA Cup tie, great atmosphere at Spotland and at times in that first half we had to play with a gale force wind in our faces, so it was tough going. Credit to Rochdale, they are a good side and they came back into it."
Second-half double sends Owls flying into next round
AS A teenager I read Ulysses by James Joyce, which was tough going - like trying to think someone else's thoughts.
The book that changed my life; Ed Barrett, 43, from Wavertree
"I'm sure that the trek will be tough going but it will be worth it."
Newlyweds honour dad on Everest
TOUGH GOING: Tristan Palmer corners at Brands Hatch.
PALMER ON A STEEP LEARNING CURVE; MOTORCYCLING
Consider the troubles Rafael Benitez is having at Chelsea, and it seems many with a Liverpool connection are finding it tough going.
Woe for ex-Reds