Tough going Meaning in English
expression
ˈtəf/ /ˈɡoʊɪn/, /ˈɡoʊɪŋ
TUHF GOH-in
tˈʌf/ /ɡˈəʊɪŋ
TUHF GOH-ing
Definition
Describes a situation, task, or period that is very difficult or slow to progress through.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, used for challenging tasks, journeys, or times. Often follows 'it's' or 'was' (e.g., 'It was tough going'). Cannot be used for people. Similar to 'hard', but emphasizes slow progress due to difficulty.
Spanish: difícil - arduoPortuguese (BR): difícil - complicado - puxadoPortuguese (PT): difícil - complicado - puxadoChinese (Simplified): 艰难 - 困难Chinese (Traditional): 艱難 - 困難Hindi: कठिन - मुश्किलArabic: صعب - شاقBengali: কঠিন অবস্থা - কষ্টকর কাজ (শেষ করা কঠিন)Russian: трудно продвигаться - тяжёлый процессJapanese: 大変だった - 苦労した - 進みにくい状況Vietnamese: khó khăn - vất vả - gian nanKorean: 힘든 상황 - 힘든 일Turkish: zor süreç - güçlük - zor zamanUrdu: مشکل مرحلہ - مشکل وقتIndonesian: berat - sulit dijalani - susah
Example Sentences
It's really tough going in this snow.
basic
Climbing the mountain was tough going.
basic
The exam was tough going for everyone.
basic
At first, learning to drive was tough going, but I got better with practice.
natural
Honestly, it was tough going getting through that book—so much technical language.
natural
The first few months of the project were tough going, but the team pulled through.
natural