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

See Examples For:

tall order

Convincing him to run for Senate, then—especially given that he has worked for Collins and maintained a good relationship with her—would be a tall order, though no doubt many are trying.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

But Burnham is not currently an MP and it would be a tall order for him to get back into the House of Commons, a process that involves winning a parliamentary by-election.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

That’s a tall order for a compact book, especially given its subject’s long, complicated life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026

Creating conditions for regime change through a military campaign was always a tall order, said Assaf Orion, the former head of strategic planning for the Israeli military.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026

My, my, my, that’s a tall order even for someone who’s seasoned as your friend the cap’n is...or was, whatever the case may be.”

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

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