tall order

Idioms  

1. A goal that is hard to fulfill or achieve, as in Getting a thousand new subscribers is a tall order indeed. This expression uses tall in the sense of “impressively great” or “difficult.” [c. 1900]

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Example Sentences

But after more than a decade in which the central bank has operated as one of the largest players in financial markets, reducing that role without rattling the system may be a tall order.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

This is a tall order, however, since a stellar multi-year track record almost always attracts a lot of investment capital.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

But that might be a tall order, because of the need for a regulatory framework and broad diplomatic agreement on how and where such ships can operate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

Getting the caps back now, Alan said, is "a tall order" but he hoped whoever had them might return them.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

And changing the world is a tall order for someone who is just trying to survive each day.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Related Words

• arduous
• challenging
• intimidating
• onerous
• powerful
• tough
• tremendous