❌ Don't Say
That's too hard
✅ Say This Instead
"tough nut to crack"
Meaning
Something is very difficult to solve or achieve.
اردو ترجمہ
یہ ایک مشکل مسئلہ ہے
"tough nut to crack"
Say it out loud — click each circle as you go
Expression Frequency
Common
Formality
Both
Authority Score
8/10
📖 Linguistic Context
It is an idiomatic noun phrase that functions as a complement after the verb 'to be', describing a difficult situation.
🔄 Synonyms & Alternatives
📰 Real-World Usage Examples
"We need to figure out the supply chain issues; it's a tough nut to crack."
📌 Business context
"The paradox presented in the paper is a tough nut to crack for many researchers."
📌 Academic context
"Trying to assemble the flat‑pack furniture was a tough nut to crack."
📌 Daily conversation
⚠️ When NOT to Use
Avoid using it for simple tasks that aren't truly challenging, as it may sound exaggerated.
💡 Pro Tip
Use it when describing a problem that feels challenging but not impossible.
Daily Life Examples
-
I tried fixing the car, but it's a tough nut to crack.
میں نے کار ٹھیک کرنے کی کوشش کی، لیکن یہ حل کرنا مشکل ہے۔ -
Learning Mandarin can be a tough nut to crack for many.
مینڈارن سیکھنا بہت سے لوگوں کے لیے ایک مشکل مسئلہ ہے۔ -
The tax code is a tough nut to crack.
ٹیکس کا قانون ایک مشکل پہیلی ہے۔
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it correct to say That's too hard?
It's understandable but sounds weak; native speakers prefer a more vivid expression.
When should I use tough nut to crack?
Use it when you want to describe a problem that is particularly tricky or complex.
What does tough nut to crack mean?
It means something that is difficult to solve, understand, or overcome.
Posted on July 20, 2026 · Practice English Daily · More Practice Sentences