Tall order: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Tall order” mean?

"Tall order" means a task or request that is difficult or challenging.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

Completing this project by tomorrow is a tall order.

Completing this project by tomorrow is a tall order.

Example

Asking him to run a marathon without any training is a tall order.

Asking him to run a marathon without any training is a tall order.

Example

Finding a cure for cancer is a tall order for scientists

Finding a cure for cancer is a tall order for scientists

Is “Tall order” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Tall order” 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 “Tall order” effectively in context?

You can use "Tall order" to describe a task or request that is difficult or challenging. It emphasizes the magnitude or level of difficulty involved. For example, if someone asks you to complete a project in a short amount of time, you might say, 'That's a tall order.'

• 1. Work

  Completing this project by tomorrow is a tall order.

  Completing this project by tomorrow is a tall order.

• 2. Physical Fitness

  Asking him to run a marathon without any training is a tall order.

  Asking him to run a marathon without any training is a tall order.

• 3. Scientific Research

  Finding a cure for cancer is a tall order for scientists.

  Finding a cure for cancer is a tall order for scientists.

Similar phrases to “Tall order”:

Herculean task

An extremely difficult or demanding task

Example

Cleaning the entire house in one day is a herculean task.

Cleaning the entire house in one day is a herculean task.

Mountains to climb

A series of difficult challenges or obstacles to overcome

Example

Starting a new business has many mountains to climb.

Starting a new business has many mountains to climb.

Steep hill to climb

A difficult or challenging situation that requires a lot of effort to overcome

Example

Getting promoted in this company is a steep hill to climb.

Getting promoted in this company is a steep hill to climb.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Tall order” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Tall order" is unknown.

Is “Tall order” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Tall order" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey the idea of a challenging task or request.

What tone does “Tall order” have?

"Tall order" conveys a tone of difficulty and challenge. It implies that the task or request is not easy to accomplish.

Can “Tall order” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Tall order" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.

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

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Completing this project by tomorrow is a tall order.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's a "tall order"!' to express the difficulty of a task or request.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• challenging task
• difficult request
• demanding assignment
• hard job
• tough challenge

Antonyms

• piece of cake
• easy task
• simple request
• straightforward assignment
• effortless job