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

It’s a tall order, and when June has a fall that sends her back into the hospital — and soon after, hospice — Julia must wrangle her dysfunctional family and rally them all to face the inevitable.

From Salon

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

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

From BBC

As BBC News heard from locals, it might be a tall order - and not everyone is happy.

From BBC

Adding to 2025’s market performance might seem like a tall order.

From Barron's

Related Words

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