THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
An uphill battle
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A difficult effort to achieve something despite strong obstacles.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Winning back customers after the long closure will be an uphill battle.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Winning back customers after the long closure will be ________.
Show the answer
An uphill battle — A difficult effort to achieve something despite strong obstacles.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “An uphill battle” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A difficult effort to achieve something despite strong obstacles.
Compare: Winning back customers after the long closure will be an uphill battle.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when a goal will need sustained effort because conditions are difficult. It suits conversation and workplace or study discussions.
More examples in context
- Without a quiet place to study, preparing for the exam felt like an uphill battle.
- The small team faced an uphill battle to finish before Friday.
Usage note
Uphill struggle is a common variation. The idiom means difficult, not necessarily impossible, and does not refer to physical fighting.
A short conversation
A: Can we complete the project with only three people?
B: It will be an uphill battle with this deadline.
A: Let us prioritise the essential tasks.
One more practice question
Which task is an uphill battle?
A. Rebuilding a damaged business with very little money or support.
B. Finishing a simple task with ample resources and no obstacles.
Check your answer
A. The limited resources and serious obstacles make success difficult.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.