Make hard work of something
phrase
To make a task appear more difficult than it needs to be.
John always finds a way to make hard work of simple tasks like changing a light bulb.
Often appears as...
- make hard work of simple tasks
- make hard work of a straightforward task
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To make a task appear more difficult than it needs to be.
John always finds a way to make hard work of simple tasks like changing a light bulb.
Often appears as...
- make hard work of simple tasks
- make hard work of a straightforward task
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Exaggeration
Used when someone uses more effort than necessary, implying the task could be done easier.
Mark made hard work of organizing his desk, taking all day to sort his papers.
Pro Tip 2/3Subjectivity
What is 'hard work' can differ between people, it sometimes reflects personal attitude.
She makes hard work of grocery shopping, but I usually find it straightforward.
Pro Tip 3/3Unnecessary Complications
Highlights the act of complicating tasks unnecessarily, adding steps or worries.
By double-checking everything, he made hard work of a simple checklist.
Pro Tip 1/3Exaggeration
Used when someone uses more effort than necessary, implying the task could be done easier.
Mark made hard work of organizing his desk, taking all day to sort his papers.
Pro Tip 2/3Subjectivity
What is 'hard work' can differ between people, it sometimes reflects personal attitude.
She makes hard work of grocery shopping, but I usually find it straightforward.
Pro Tip 3/3Unnecessary Complications
Highlights the act of complicating tasks unnecessarily, adding steps or worries.
By double-checking everything, he made hard work of a simple checklist.
Pro Tip 1/3Exaggeration
Used when someone uses more effort than necessary, implying the task could be done easier.
Mark made hard work of organizing his desk, taking all day to sort his papers.
Pro Tip 2/3Subjectivity
What is 'hard work' can differ between people, it sometimes reflects personal attitude.
She makes hard work of grocery shopping, but I usually find it straightforward.
Pro Tip 3/3Unnecessary Complications
Highlights the act of complicating tasks unnecessarily, adding steps or worries.
By double-checking everything, he made hard work of a simple checklist.
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