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A hard act to follow
A hard act to follow describes a person or performance that sets a very high standard. Anyone who comes next will struggle to match it.The phrase comes from theater and variety shows. When one performer really impresses the audience, the next performer may find it hard to get the same reaction.
The comedian had the crowd roaring with laughter and was a hard act to follow.
A hard nut to crack
The phrase a hard nut to crack or a tough nut to crack means a problem or person that is hard to deal with. Simple solutions do not work. The shells of some nuts can be much more difficult to open than others!This puzzle is a tough nut to crack.
A hole in one
A hole in one is a golf term for getting the golf ball into the final hole with only one hit, but as an idiom it means to succeed on the first try.She showed her first design to the client and they loved it! A hole in one!
Hair of the dog
The idiom hair of the dog refers to an old folk remedy for rabies that included a hair of the dog that bit you in the potion. Today it refers to drinking alcohol the next day to cure a hangover.You look terrible, you should have a hair of the dog that bit you.
Hang in there
The phrase hang in there means to keep going and not give up, even when things are hard. It is often used to encourage someone who is struggling. It was popularised by a motivational poster of a kitten hanging from a rope in the 1970s.Hang in there - you're almost finished.
Hanging by a thread
To be hanging by a thread means being in a very fragile or risky situation where something bad could happen at any moment.The phrase comes from the image of something suspended by a thin thread that could break at any time.
The deal was hanging by a thread after the last minute disagreement.
Happy as a pig in mud
If you are happy as a pig in mud you are happy and having fun, and you might be surrounded by mess. Pigs really enjoy playing in mud, so this idiom is comparing you to a happy, muddy pig, but in a good way.We gave the kids some finger paints, and they were happy as pigs in mud.
Hard to swallow
The idiom hard to swallow (or sometimes a hard pill to swallow, or a bitter pill to swallow) means something that is difficult or uncomfortable to accept.The phrase comes from medicine. Swallowing a bitter pill can be unpleasant, so the image is used for something hard to accept.
Losing the contract was a hard pill to swallow for the team.
Have a ball
The phrase have a ball means to have a very good time. It derives from the times when people, particularly the upper classes, had balls that were basically parties where you got to meet people and have fun.The kids had a ball at the party.
Have second thoughts
The idiom have second thoughts means beginning to doubt a decision that you first felt confident about.The phrase appeared in English in the 1600s. A second thought suggests another moment of reflection after the first judgment.
He had second thoughts about quitting.