THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A tall order
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A task or requirement that is very difficult to achieve.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Finding a suitable venue for tomorrow is a tall order.
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.
Finding a suitable venue for tomorrow is ________.
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A tall order — A task or requirement that is very difficult to achieve.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A tall order” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A task or requirement that is very difficult to achieve.
Compare: Finding a suitable venue for tomorrow is a tall order.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally when a goal demands more time, effort or resources than seem readily available. It can be a tactful way to question expectations.
More examples in context
- Learning all the lines in one evening was a tall order for a new actor.
- Delivering every parcel before noon would be a tall order with only one van.
Usage note
Tall describes difficulty, not physical height. Unlike a straightforward request, a tall order places a demanding expectation on someone.
A short conversation
A: Could we translate the whole handbook by lunchtime?
B: That is a tall order. We would need more people to do it accurately.
A: Let us agree on a realistic deadline.
One more practice question
Which requirement is a tall order?
A. Completing a familiar one-minute task with an hour available.
B. Completing several weeks of careful work in one afternoon.
Check your answer
B. The requirement is extremely demanding relative to the time available.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.