❄️ Hard/Tough Sledding: Navigating Life’s Difficult Routes ⛷️
hard/tough sledding - A term used to describe a difficult route or progress, dating back to the early 19th century. 🛷 Just imagine trying to sled uphill instead of downhill! Yes, that pretty much sums it up.
Synonyms
- An uphill battle: Striving for success amidst numerous challenges.
- Walking through molasses: Progressing very slowly due to difficulties.
- Swimming against the tide: Facing immense resistance.
Antonyms
- Smooth sailing: Everything is going without a hitch.
- Easy street: Living with no worries or difficulties.
- A walk in the park: Something straightforward and uncomplicated.
📜 Quotes and Proverbs
- “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein
- “The road less traveled is often the most rewarding.” - Robert Frost (Not Directly, but leaning towards the idea)
📚 Recommended Reading
- “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer: Experience the literal and metaphorical “tough sledding” of climbing Mount Everest.
- “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder: A raw depiction of enduring challenging times.
- “Shackleton’s Journey” by William Grill: The epitome of tough sledding in the icy Antarctic wilderness.
🎵 Songs to Ponder
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: An anthem for pressing through difficulties.
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus: A motivational song about persevering through life’s challenges.
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen: Because who doesn’t need a bit of rock in their tough sledding!
🎬 Must-Watch Movies
- “Cast Away” (2000): Watch Tom Hanks epitomize ’tough sledding’ on a deserted island.
- “The Revenant” (2015): Leonardo DiCaprio versus the wilderness – a prime example of hard sledding.
- “127 Hours” (2010): The tale of survival against the odds and intense hardships.
### Which of these idioms means the same as "hard/tough sledding"?
- [ ] Sitting pretty
- [ ] Easy as pie
- [x] An uphill battle
- [ ] On cloud nine
> **Explanation:** "An uphill battle" refers to progressing amidst numerous challenges, parallel to "hard/tough sledding".
### Which of these is an antonym to "hard/tough sledding"?
- [ ] Rolling in dough
- [ ] Between a rock and a hard place
- [ ] Barking up the wrong tree
- [x] Smooth sailing
> **Explanation:** "Smooth sailing" signifies everything progressing smoothly and easily, opposite of "hard/tough sledding".
### True or False: "Walking through a park" is analogous to "hard/tough sledding".
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "A walk in the park," implying something easy or simple, the antonym of "hard/tough sledding".
### Which expression could describe progress that is not "hard/tough sledding"?
- [x] Easy street
- [ ] Biting off more than you can chew
- [ ] Can't see the forest for the trees
- [ ] Draw the short straw
> **Explanation:** "Easy street" depicts a life of ease and lack of difficulties, contrary to "hard/tough sledding".
### What does the expression "swimming against the tide" mean?
- [ ] Being in complete agreement with others
- [x] Making progress despite opposition
- [ ] Living a worry-free life
- [ ] Taking the easiest route
> **Explanation:** "Swimming against the tide" means making progress despite facing strong resistance, much like "hard/tough sledding".
🔆 Farewell Thought: Life’s toughest sledding may bring us our greatest accomplishments. Embrace the challenge!
