Meaning: refers to strict, inflexible, or unyielding rules, regulations, or principles
The teacher set hard-and-fast rules about not using cell phones during class
Meaning: disappear or change very slowly
This proposal has some radical parts that will die hard
Meaning: get through the hardest part of something
I'm tired and need an ice-cold drink. I broke my back at work today on that project
Meaning: to explain that a task is easier to talk about than perform
It's easier said than done when it comes to convincing people that something is true
Meaning: work very hard and actively
I often find my husband in the garage, busy as a beaver, working on some new project
Meaning: make sure something stays in place
She knew if she didn't buckle down, the tasks wouldn't get done
Meaning: used to express that an activity or action is not fun
I love having little kids around but cleaning up after them is no picnic
Meaning: it is necessary to work hard or strive to reap rewards
If you want to win the title next month, you have to train for an extra hour every day next week. No pain, no gain
Meaning: make someone work harder by asserting power or authority
We'd better get some work done, or he'll crack the whip when he gets back from his tea break
Meaning: something unpleasant to be endured
Finding out that she was adopted was a hard pill for Hailey to take
Meaning: a problem that is difficult to solve
She's such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her
Meaning: something you must do or feel compelled to do
Both of my grandfathers felt it was their call of duty to enlist immediately for active service when the war broke out