The phrase "hard going" refers to something that is difficult or challenging. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "hard," is spelled with the /h/ and /ɑː/ sounds, represented in IPA as /hɑːd/. The second syllable, "going," is spelled with the /ɡ/ and /əʊ/ sounds, represented in IPA as /ˈɡəʊɪŋ/. Together, the word is pronounced as /hɑːd ˈɡəʊɪŋ/. Its spelling follows the basic rules of English phonetics.
Hard going is an idiomatic expression used to describe a difficult or arduous situation, task, or endeavor. It refers to a situation or task that is challenging, demanding, or requiring a significant amount of effort and perseverance to progress or achieve successful results.
In various contexts, hard going can refer to physical activities, such as hiking, where the terrain is particularly rough or steep, making progress laborious and slow. It can also be used to describe mental or intellectual challenges, such as tackling complex academic subjects or solving intricate problems that are mentally taxing and require intense concentration and endurance.
The term hard going can also be applied to describe situations or circumstances that are emotionally or psychologically draining. This may include facing personal hardships, coping with grief or loss, or enduring a difficult work environment, where one's emotional resilience is tested and maintaining motivation becomes challenging.
Overall, the concept of hard going highlights the aspect of difficulty and the need for determination, persistence, and resilience to overcome obstacles and eventually achieve success. It denotes a situation or task that necessitates a considerable amount of effort, both physical and mental, to overcome obstacles and achieve desired outcomes.
The phrase "hard going" is a colloquial expression that typically means something is difficult or challenging. It is composed of two words:
1. Hard: Meaning difficult, not easy, or requiring significant effort. It is derived from the Old English word "heard", which has the same meaning.
2. Going: Referring to the act of progressing or moving forward. It comes from the Old English word "gān", which means to go.
When combined, "hard going" emphasizes the challenging nature of progress or advancement.