How Do You Spell HEAVY GOING?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛvi ɡˈə͡ʊɪŋ] (IPA)

"Heavy going" is a phrase used to describe something that is difficult or tedious. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "heavy," is pronounced /ˈhɛvi/, while the second word, "going," is pronounced /ˈɡo.ɪŋ/. The use of the letter "v" in "heavy" may seem counterintuitive, but it represents the voiced dental fricative /ð/. The use of the letter "g" in "going" represents the voiced velar stop /ɡ/. Together, these sounds create the phrase "heavy going."

HEAVY GOING Meaning and Definition

  1. Heavy going refers to a situation or task that is difficult, arduous, or demanding; it involves experiencing challenges and obstacles that impede progress or understanding. The phrase can be used to describe a range of circumstances where progress, comprehension, or completion is slow, strenuous, or burdensome. It often implies a sense of struggle, either physically or mentally, as one interacts with the subject matter or situation at hand.

    In a literal context, heavy going can depict rough or difficult terrain, such as when hiking through a steep, muddy, or rocky path. Figuratively, it can describe a challenging book, article, or academic text that is complex, dense, or hard to understand, requiring prolonged concentration and effort to grasp the subject matter. Additionally, heavy going can relate to conversations or interactions that are laborious or uncomfortable due to sensitive discussions, differing opinions, or emotional hurdles.

    The term also finds application in situations requiring substantial physical effort, like carrying cumbersome or weighty items, pushing against resistance, or performing physically demanding tasks for extended periods. It can encompass demanding workouts, long hours of physically strenuous labor, or prolonged athletic competitions.

    Overall, heavy going emphasizes the demanding nature of a particular circumstance, task, or endeavor, highlighting the significant effort, persistence, or endurance required to overcome challenges and achieve progress or understanding.

Common Misspellings for HEAVY GOING

  • geavy going
  • beavy going
  • neavy going
  • jeavy going
  • ueavy going
  • yeavy going
  • hwavy going
  • hsavy going
  • hdavy going
  • hravy going
  • h4avy going
  • h3avy going
  • hezvy going
  • hesvy going
  • hewvy going
  • heqvy going
  • heacy going
  • heaby going
  • heagy going
  • heafy going

Etymology of HEAVY GOING

The phrase "heavy going" originated in the early 18th century and is derived from two separate words.

The first word, "heavy", comes from the Old English word "hefig", which means having a great weight or burden. It refers to something that is difficult, tiring, or arduous.

The second word, "going", refers to the act or process of moving or progressing. It is derived from the Old English word "gān", which means to go or to travel.

Therefore, when combined, "heavy going" describes an activity or task that is challenging, laborious, or demanding, making progress or advancement difficult.

Idioms with the word HEAVY GOING

  • be heavy going The idiom "be heavy going" means that something is difficult, challenging, or laborious to deal with or understand. It implies that the task or situation requires a significant amount of effort, making progress or comprehension slow or cumbersome.
  • make heavy going of (something) The idiom "make heavy going of (something)" means to struggle or have difficulty in completing or understanding something. It implies that the activity or task is challenging, tedious, or time-consuming. It suggests that progress is slow, and the person may face obstacles or find it hard to make satisfactory advancements.
  • heavy going "Heavy going" is an idiom used to describe something that is difficult, challenging, or requiring a lot of effort or energy. It can refer to a task, project, or situation that is mentally or physically taxing.