Learn the idiom: A Hard Nut to Crack
A hard nut to crack (idiom)
Look at the picture and try to guess the meaning of the idiom 'a hard nut to crack.'
A hard nut to crack:
(1) a problem or situation that's difficult to solve or deal with;
(2) a person who is difficult to understand or know;
(3) a group, place or opportunity that's difficult to join or gain entry.
Sentence examples
Click the audio player to listen to some of the practice sentences below:
— This algebra equation sure is a hard nut to crack.
— Congratulations on restoring your antique car—I'll bet that was a hard nut to crack.
— Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a hard nut to crack.
— Jennifer is a hard nut to crack. One day she's friendly and the next she's super quiet, so I'm not sure if she likes me or not.
— My new secretary is a hard nut to crack. I'm not sure if she's unhappy here, just a shy person or if she's bored.
— A number of women have become leaders in business but the majority still find getting upper management positions a hard nut to crack.
— We've had a lot of success with our retail stores but we're finding that selling our product online is a hard nut to crack.
— With your skills, getting a tennis scholarship to a university is possible but the professional tour will be a hard nut for you to crack.
— Getting a membership into that country is a hard nut to crack for minorities so don't be surprised if your application is not approved.
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Synonyms
- a tough nut to crack
- a tough/hard row to hoe
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