an uphill struggle

an uphill struggle

A task that is very daunting from the outset and continues to be challenging. The incumbent is so popular that defeating her will be an uphill struggle. I'm terrible at math, so I have a real uphill struggle ahead of me if I want to improve my grade in Algebra.
See also: struggle, uphill
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

an uphill ˈstruggle/ˈbattle/ˈtask

something that is difficult and takes a lot of effort over a long period of time: After the recent scandal, he faces an uphill struggle to win back public support before the next election.
See also: battle, struggle, task, uphill
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • an uphill job
  • an uphill fight
  • an uphill battle
  • an uphill struggle/battle/task
  • uphill battle
  • an uphill task
  • task
  • struggle
  • from the outset
  • outset
References in periodicals archive
Have some talented footballers but as ever it's an uphill struggle to get any change out of their Ulster SFC campaign.
He said: "Link's plans could still lead to a significant reduction in free-to-use ATMs across Britain, leaving consumers facing an uphill struggle to access the cash they need."
The SNP face an uphill struggle on June 8 to retain the 56 seats it won in 2015.
DRAMA As incidents of poisoning sweep the palace, royal enforcer Fabien Marchal (Tygh Runyan) faces an uphill struggle to police the toxic situation.
Asked by reporters if she now faced an uphill struggle, Ms Eagle today insisted she was "very optimistic".
"It will be an uphill struggle, but one that is shared by all, and the Fijian people are a wonderful example of resilience and fortitude," she said.
But Advocaat insists Spurs have proved to be vastly better than their results suggest - leaving his own side facing an uphill struggle to turn around their own nightmare start and move off the foot of the table.
Airtel has faced an uphill struggle in Africa, which it entered via a $10.7 billion acquisition of most of Zain's African operations back in 2010.
A church spokesperson said: "This has been an uphill struggle and we are still fighting to raise as much money as we can every year to keep it open and hopefully one day soon become a functioning parish church once again."
terms of redemption, Armstrong facing uphill as as Alpine pass In terms of redemption, Lance Armstrong is facing an uphill struggle as tough as any Alpine mountain pass.
The second-half produced a rally from Seaton but the New Marske defence held strong and when the hard working Mark Graham slotted in the second for New Marske it was going to be an uphill struggle for the home team.
Dr Ian Banks, president of the Men's Health Forum said: "Men can face an uphill struggle with their health when they become fathers.
The Germans are left with an uphill struggle after capitulating to late Spanish pressure in the first leg, going down 4-2 despite a double from veteran striker Raul.
I encourage readers to take this opportunity to walk shoulder to shoulder with those for whom survival is an uphill struggle.
Struggle Shane Byrne, aiming to take the title for a third time, faces an uphill struggle to peg back the seven points lead of Hill after slipping back to the second row after coming in fifth fastest on his HM Plant Honda.