A tough call Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtəf/ /ˈkɔɫ

uh TUHF-kawl

UK

æɪ/ /tˈʌf/ /kˈɔːl

uh TUHF-kawl

Definition

Used when a decision is difficult to make because both options have good and bad points, or the answer is not clear.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, conversational phrase, often used at work, in sports, or personal decisions. Synonyms: 'a hard decision', 'a close call'. Not typically used in formal writing.

• Spanish: una decisión difícil - una elección complicada
• Portuguese (BR): uma decisão difícil - uma escolha complicada
• Portuguese (PT): uma decisão difícil - uma escolha complicada
• Chinese (Simplified): 难以抉择的决定 - 棘手的选择
• Chinese (Traditional): 難以抉擇的決定 - 棘手的選擇
• Hindi: कठिन फैसला
• Arabic: قرار صعب - خيار صعب
• Bengali: কঠিন সিদ্ধান্ত - কঠিন পছন্দ
• Russian: сложное решение - трудный выбор
• Japanese: 難しい選択 - 難しい判断
• Vietnamese: quyết định khó - lựa chọn khó
• Korean: 어려운 결정 - 힘든 선택
• Turkish: zor bir karar - zor seçim
• Urdu: مشکل فیصلہ - دشوار انتخاب
• Indonesian: keputusan yang sulit - pilihan yang sulit

Example Sentences

Choosing between the two jobs was a tough call.

basic

It was a tough call to decide what to eat for dinner.

basic

Picking a winner was a tough call for the judges.

basic

Honestly, it was a tough call, but I went with my gut.

natural

That was a tough call—both teams played really well!

natural

It's a tough call, but maybe waiting is the best option.

natural