an uphill task

an uphill task

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 task. I'm terrible at math, so I have a real uphill task ahead of me if I want to improve my grade in Algebra.
See also: task, 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:
  • task
  • cooperate
  • cooperate on (something)
  • work (one's) way through (something)
  • work, etc. your way through something
  • get round to (something)
  • on task
  • take to task, to
  • come to the task with (something)
  • tough/hard/long row to hoe, a
References in periodicals archive
England faced an uphill task after conceding three goals in the first half before Holland put their opponents to the sword with five additional strikes in the final two quarters.
I think understanding mind and thoughts of Ghalib is an uphill task. Hence proficiency in Persian and Urdu is essential for reading his kalam.
Parenting is gradually becoming an uphill task for most parents resulting in the high cases of indiscipline.
In its last year in power, the PML-N government had collected Rs3.842 trillion in taxes, which now seems an uphill task for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
However, the 43-yearold then dropped shots on the eighth and ninth to card a highly disappointing 72 and leave himself with an uphill task over the weekend to claim a 16th major title.
"We've got an uphill task in the group but it's still doable - 100 per cent," Stoke striker Vokes said.
If they lose a couple of early games, then it will be an uphill task for them after that.
Police said the suspects will be arraigned soon.In a bid to stem the human trafficking vice, Kenya passed the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act in 2010.UPHILL TASKBut arresting traffickers is an uphill task since they operate in secrecy and use third parties as well as secure, concealed residences to commit their crimes.
According to diplomatic sources the process for obtaining tourist visas for Pakistani tourists in 26 countries included in European Union (EU) has been made an uphill task. Now acquiring visa by Pakistanis has become next to impossible.
Sources further mentioned that digitising theland records was an uphill task due to the resistance of the powerful mafia that rules the land record system in Pakistan.
CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter is plotting a front foot performance as the Irish League champions face an uphill task in tonight's Europa League clash with Olimpaja Ljubljana (8pm).
Also said that elimination of rodents has become an uphill task for the authorities, as they claim that rats enter Parliament House through sewerage lines during holidays.
According to analysts, Bilawal faces an uphill task in the next general elections with Imran Khan on the ascent and the ruling PML-N of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif clawing at support.
LAHORE -- Pakistan faces an uphill task in the quarter finals of the World Hockey league in which they will meet Olympic Champion Argentina tomorrow, Thursday at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
It is not an uphill task. The corporate giants are always in a position to make such investments.