The phrase "tough going" is commonly used to describe a difficult or challenging situation. In terms of pronunciation, "tough" is spelled with the "ou" vowel sound, which is represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ʌ/, followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative sound represented as /f/ in "going." Together, these sounds create a distinct and recognizable pronunciation for this phrase. Whether you're struggling through a difficult project, a trying workout, or a challenging situation, "tough going" accurately captures the struggle and perseverance required to succeed.
Tough going refers to a challenging or arduous situation or experience that requires significant effort, determination, and resilience to overcome or endure. This phrase is often used to describe difficult or demanding circumstances that can pose obstacles or bring about hardship.
In various contexts, tough going typically suggests a struggle, setback, or difficulty faced by individuals or groups. It can apply to a wide range of scenarios, such as dealing with a challenging project at work, enduring a physically demanding task, navigating through a particularly rough period in life, or witnessing unfavorable circumstances in an environment or situation.
Tough going underscores the notion that the situation or activity in question requires significant strength, persistence, and perseverance in order to successfully navigate or endure it. It implies that progress may be slow, obstacles may be encountered, and there may be a need to draw upon inner resources and resilience to push through and overcome hardships.
The phrase can also be used figuratively to describe something that is mentally or emotionally taxing, such as a relationship, academic endeavor, or personal goal. It conveys a sense of the effort and challenges involved in such pursuits, emphasizing the need for determination and perseverance to achieve success or reach the desired outcome.
Overall, tough going refers to a demanding or strenuous situation that requires resilience, effort, and perseverance to overcome or accomplish a particular goal.
The phrase "tough going" is derived from the word "tough", meaning difficult or challenging, combined with the verb "going", which refers to progress or movement. The etymology of the word "tough" can be traced back to the Old English word "tōh" or "tōhha", meaning hard or severe. Over time, it evolved to describe something difficult or resilient. Similarly, "going" comes from the present participle of the verb "go", indicating the act of moving or progressing. When combined, "tough going" refers to a challenging or difficult progress or situation.