have a tough time doing — to find something difficult or challenging to accomplish
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to find something difficult or challenging to accomplish
Pronunciation (IPA): /hæv ə tʌf taɪm ˈduːɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My cat has a tough time doing tricks - she just stares at me like I'm crazy.
- Students often have a tough time memorizing irregular verbs.
- I have a tough time saying no to free pizza, even when I'm full.
have a tough time doing
NOUN[/hæv ə tʌf taɪm ˈduːɪŋ/]
to find something difficult or challenging to accomplish
to find something difficult or challenging to accomplish
After a rough time studying, she finds there's enough time!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two Old English elements: 'tough' derives from Old English 'tōh' meaning tenacious or strong, while 'time' comes from Old English 'tīma' meaning period or duration. The idiomatic expression 'have a tough time doing' became established in early 20th-century American vernacular to denote experiencing difficulty with a particular activity.
Breakdown
tough (Old English 'tōh': tenacious, strong) + time (Old English 'tīma': period, duration) + doing (present participle indicating the activity in question). The phrase combines these morphemes to express struggling through a difficult period while performing an action.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat has a tough time doing tricks - she just stares at me like I'm crazy.”
“Students often have a tough time memorizing irregular verbs.”
“I have a tough time saying no to free pizza, even when I'm full.”
“Many people have a tough time adapting to remote work.”
📚Related Words
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