tough sledding

Idioms  

1. Difficult work or progress, as in This bill faces tough sledding in the legislature. This idiom transfers the route on which a sled can travel to other kinds of progress toward a goal. It was first recorded as hard sledding in 1839. For the antonym, see easy sledding.

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Example Sentences

History suggests it will be tough sledding if tech keeps faltering.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

“From the second he started throwing,” Olson said, “you could tell that he had his good stuff. … When he has his ‘A’ stuff, it’s tough sledding for the other side.”

From Washington Times • Apr. 1, 2023

Condotta: It’s indeed been pretty tough sledding of late for Walker, who has 286 yards on 83 carries since Oct.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2022

Torrance knew it would be tough sledding against Weir, who was part of a combined no-hitter in South Dakota’s World Series opener last week.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2021

It has been pretty tough sledding waiting for the next Australian steamer, but, thank God! she made port yesterday and your report of the success of your mission is before me.

From Cappy Ricks Retires by Kyne, Peter B. (Peter Bernard)