What does “A hard nut to crack.” mean?

"A hard nut to crack" means that there is a difficult problem or challenge that is hard to solve. It suggests that some issues require significant effort and skill to overcome, and may require creative thinking and perseverance.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The puzzle was a hard nut to crack. It took me hours to solve it.

Example

The math problem was a hard nut to crack. I had to ask for help from my teacher.

Example

Finding a solution to climate change is a hard nut to crack. It requires the collaboration of scientists, policymakers, and the public

Is “A hard nut to crack.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A hard nut to crack.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A hard nut to crack.” effectively in context?

You can use "A hard nut to crack" to describe a difficult problem or challenge that is hard to solve. It suggests that some issues require significant effort and skill to overcome, and may require creative thinking and perseverance. For example, if someone is struggling to solve a complex puzzle, you might say, 'That puzzle is a hard nut to crack. It took me hours to solve it.'

1Academic
The math problem was a hard nut to crack. I had to ask for help from my teacher.
2Problem Solving
Finding a solution to climate change is a hard nut to crack. It requires the collaboration of scientists, policymakers, and the public.
3Personal Challenge
The puzzle was a hard nut to crack. It took me hours to solve it.

Similar phrases to “A hard nut to crack.”:

A tough cookie

A person who is strong-willed, resilient, or difficult to deal with

Example

She's a tough cookie. She never gives up easily.

A mountain to climb

A difficult task or challenge that requires significant effort and perseverance

Example

Starting a new business is a mountain to climb, but with hard work, it can be successful.

A needle in a haystack

Something that is extremely difficult or impossible to find or locate

Example

Finding a specific book in that messy library is like finding a needle in a haystack.

A hard pill to swallow

An unpleasant or difficult truth that is challenging to accept

Example

Losing the competition was a hard pill to swallow, but it motivated me to work harder.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A hard nut to crack.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A hard nut to crack" is unknown.

Is “A hard nut to crack.” common in everyday conversation?

"A hard nut to crack" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe challenging situations or problems that require significant effort and skill to overcome.

What tone does “A hard nut to crack.” have?

"A hard nut to crack" conveys a tone of difficulty and perseverance. It emphasizes the idea that some problems are not easily solved and may require determination and creative thinking.

Can “A hard nut to crack.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"A hard nut to crack" is a relatively informal proverb that can be used in both casual and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may also be used in more formal situations such as presentations or professional discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

"A hard nut to crack" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The puzzle was a hard nut to crack. It took me hours to solve it.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'That problem is "a hard nut to crack"!' to imply its difficulty.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

a tough nut to crack
a challenging problem
a difficult challenge
a complex puzzle
a formidable obstacle

Antonyms

an easy task
a simple problem
a piece of cake
a walk in the park
a breeze