An Uphill Battle: Definition, Meaning, and Origin (2024)

"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means a complicated struggle or challenge. It refers to a task that requires a lot of effort and determination and has little chance of success.

In short:

• It means a difficult situation that requires a lot of effort and determination to overcome.

What Does "An Uphill Battle" Mean?

The idiom "an uphill battle" means a difficult task or situation requiring much effort and determination. It implies that one faces obstacles or opposition that make the goal harder to achieve. The phrase is synonymous with fighting against the odds, the circ*mstances, or the expectations. You are doing something that is not easy or simple.

Where Does "An Uphill Battle" Come From?

The origin of "an uphill battle" can be traced back to the literal idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance. You must exert more energy and effort than on flat or downhill terrain. In addition, you might feel tired or discouraged. Furthermore, you might face resistance from the wind, the weather, or other factors. All these factors make your journey harder and more challenging.

10 Examples of "An Uphill Battle" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• Starting a new business can be an uphill battle.
• Rebuilding our home after the storm was an uphill battle.
• Overcoming that injury was an uphill battle for the athlete.
• Graduating with honors was an uphill battle, but she did it.
• Convincing him to change his mind is always an uphill battle.
• Real talk: Getting that promotion is going to be an uphill battle.
• Passing that difficult exam is an uphill battle for many students.
• What can I say? Achieving world peace seems like an uphill battle.
• Repairing the relationship will be an uphill battle, but it's worth it.
• She knew losing weight would be an uphill battle, but she was determined.

Examples of "An Uphill Battle" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• "Uphill Battle" is a song by Rozzi, an American singer-songwriter. The song is about accepting one's flaws and finding empowerment while acknowledging the challenges of being in a relationship with someone different from oneself.
• The movie "Uphill Battle," directed by Amy Kenney, is a Christian family drama released in 2013. The movie tells the story of a divorced mother who works as an accountant and struggles to heal from her husband's addiction to p*rnography and infidelity. The film explores the themes of forgiveness, faith, and love in the face of adversity.
• The book "Uphill Battle: Reflections on Viet Nam Counterinsurgency" by Frank Scotton is a memoir of his experiences as a USIA and foreign service officer in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975. It covers various aspects of the war, such as the political, military, social, and cultural dimensions. It also provides insights into Vietnam's history, geography, and culture and the strategies and tactics of both sides of the conflict.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "An Uphill Battle"

Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this idiom:

• A long shot
• A tall order
• A tough slog
• A Herculean task
• A hard nut to crack
• A David and Goliath situation

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "An Uphill Battle"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this expression:

• What does "an uphill battle" mean?

"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means a complicated struggle or challenge. It refers to a task that requires a lot of effort and determination and has little chance of success.

• What is the origin of the phrase "an uphill battle"?

The origin of "an uphill battle" can be traced back to the literal idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance.

• What is the difference between "an uphill battle" and "a downhill battle"?

An uphill battle is a very difficult struggle or challenge, while a downhill battle is a very easy or effortless one. The expressions are opposites of each other, based on the physical experience of going uphill or downhill.

• Is "an uphill battle" a metaphor or a simile?
  

"An uphill battle" is a metaphor, which is a figure of speech that compares two things without using words like "as" or "like." A simile is a metaphor that uses those words to make the comparison explicit. For example, "Life is an uphill battle" is a metaphor, while "Life is like an uphill battle" is a simile.

• What are some synonyms for "an uphill battle"?

Some synonyms for "an uphill battle" are a tough slog, a hard nut to crack, a tall order, a long shot, a Herculean task, and a David and Goliath situation. Depending on the context and tone, you can use these synonyms interchangeably with an uphill battle.

• How do you overcome "an uphill battle"?

Setting realistic and achievable goals, breaking down big tasks into smaller steps, seeking help and support from others, staying positive and motivated, learning from mistakes and failures, celebrating progress and success, and never giving up.

• What are some idioms related to "an uphill battle"?

Some idioms related to "an uphill battle" are an uphill struggle, an uphill task, an uphill fight, an uphill climb, an uphill run, an uphill job, and an uphill race. These idioms have the same meaning as "an uphill battle" but use different nouns to describe the situation.

• Is "an uphill battle" always negative?

"An uphill battle" is usually negative, implying the situation is demanding and challenging. However, it can also be positive, depending on how you view it. For some people, an uphill battle can be seen as an opportunity to grow, learn, improve, or prove themselves. For others, an uphill battle can be seen as a source of excitement, adventure, or fun.

• Can "an uphill battle" ever become more manageable?

"An uphill battle" can become easier with proper planning, support, and strategy. However, it often remains a challenging endeavor throughout.

• Is "an uphill battle" used in other languages or specific to English?

Similar idiomatic expressions exist in other languages to convey the idea of a challenging task, but the specific phrase "an uphill battle" is unique to English.

Final Thoughts About "An Uphill Battle"

"An uphill battle" is an idiom that means an arduous struggle or challenge. It comes from the idea of fighting or climbing against gravity or resistance.

Some key points to remember about the phrase:

• It can be used to describe any situation that involves obstacles, opposition, or disadvantages.
• It can also be used as an adjective or a noun.
• It can be positive or negative, depending on how you view it.
• It has some synonyms and related expressions that have the same meaning.
• It has been used in various forms of pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, songs, etc.

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