[Idiom] A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK. - Tackling Challenges That Seem Nearly Impossible

difficult problem

Describing something as 'A tough nut to crack' suggests a difficult problem or situation that is hard to solve. Imagine trying to open a nut that’s particularly tough to break into to reach its fruit—this is what the idiom metaphorically compares challenging tasks to.

Example Sentences

1. The new problem at work is a tough nut to crack.

   The new problem at work is very challenging.

2. Negotiating the contract terms has been a tough nut to crack.

   Negotiating the contract terms has been very challenging.

3. Convincing him to change his mind proved to be a tough nut to crack.

   Convincing him to change his mind proved to be very challenging.