PhrasesHub

Hard nut to crack

    Definitions

      • difficult to understand
        Describing a person, situation, or problem that is complex, challenging, or puzzling, making it hard to comprehend or solve

      • tough to deal with
        Referring to a person who is difficult to persuade, convince, or handle, often due to their stubbornness or strong-willed nature

      • challenging to break through
        Used in a business or competitive context to describe a difficult market or industry to enter or penetrate successfully

    Examples of Hard nut to crack

    • Solving complex mathematical equations can be a hard nut to crack.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or solve. The phrase "hard nut to crack" refers to a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to overcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that solving complex mathematical equations can be very difficult and require a lot of effort and concentration.

    • Deciphering ancient texts can be a hard nut to crack.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is challenging to interpret or understand. The phrase "hard nut to crack" refers to a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to overcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that deciphering ancient texts can be very difficult and require a lot of effort and expertise.

    • Figuring out the true meaning of life can be a hard nut to crack.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is difficult to comprehend or understand. The phrase "hard nut to crack" refers to a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to overcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that figuring out the true meaning of life can be very difficult and require a lot of contemplation and introspection.

    • Cracking the code to success can be a hard nut to crack.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is challenging to achieve or attain. The phrase "hard nut to crack" refers to a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to overcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that achieving success can be very difficult and require a lot of hard work and persistence.

    • Unraveling the mysteries of the universe can be a hard nut to crack.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is difficult to explain or understand. The phrase "hard nut to crack" refers to a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to overcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that unraveling the mysteries of the universe can be very difficult and require a lot of scientific research and investigation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hard nut to crack" is commonly used to convey the idea of something or someone that is difficult to understand, deal with, or break through. It is often used to describe complex situations, challenging people, or tough problems that require a lot of effort and persistence to overcome.

    In the first meaning, the idiom is used to describe a situation or person that is hard to comprehend or figure out. This can refer to a complex problem that is difficult to solve or understand, or a person who is hard to read or understand their motives. The second meaning highlights the idea of someone who is tough to deal with, often referring to a person who is stubborn, uncooperative, or difficult to persuade. In both cases, the idiom emphasizes the challenges and difficulties of dealing with something or someone.

    The third meaning of the idiom is often used in a business context to describe a market or industry that is difficult to enter or compete in successfully. This can refer to a market that is already dominated by established companies or a competitive industry that is hard to break into. In this sense, the idiom emphasizes the challenges and obstacles that businesses may face when trying to succeed in a difficult market.

    Origin of "Hard nut to crack"

    The origin of the idiom "hard nut to crack" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the literal sense of cracking a nut, which requires a lot of effort and strength. This idea was then applied to describe a difficult task or problem that required a lot of effort and determination to solve.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the expression "a tough nut to crack," which was used to describe a person who was hard to persuade or convince. Over time, this expression evolved into "hard nut to crack" and became more commonly used to describe a challenging person or situation.

    In conclusion, the idiom "hard nut to crack" is a versatile expression that is commonly used to describe something or someone that is difficult to understand, deal with, or break through. Its origin may be uncertain, but it has become a popular phrase in the English language, highlighting the idea of overcoming challenges and obstacles.