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

That could be a tall order for a U.S. team that has made the quarterfinals just once in the modern era.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

In January, when technical director Jason Wilcox told the United squad that was the aim despite Ruben Amorim's dismissal, it seemed a tall order.

From BBC ● May 8, 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

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