An uphill battle
Meaning
A very difficult struggle or challenge that requires great effort and is unlikely to succeed without significant exertion.
Origin
The phrase conjures a powerful image drawn directly from the brutal realities of warfare. Imagine soldiers in ancient or medieval times, ordered to charge up a steep hill against a fortified enemy. The climb alone would be exhausting, gravity pulling them back, while the defenders rained down arrows, rocks, and spears from above. Such an assault was tactically disastrous, inherently difficult, and rarely succeeded without immense cost. This vivid, literal scenario of a disadvantageous and arduous fight for higher ground became a potent metaphor for any endeavor that is inherently challenging, demanding immense effort against overwhelming odds, and where success is far from guaranteed.
Examples
- Securing funding for the new community center proved to be an uphill battle, but the team eventually succeeded.
- Trying to convince management to adopt the radical new strategy felt like an uphill battle from the very start.