English idiom

easier said than done

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

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Figurative meaning

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

Why this phrase?

The phrase contrasts the low effort of describing an action with the greater effort of actually carrying it out.

Example

“Saving money sounds easy, but it's easier said than done.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

moving target

a goal or requirement that keeps changing while you try to hit it

pipe dream

an unrealistic hope or plan that will almost certainly never happen

throw somebody in at the deep end

to make someone start a difficult task with little preparation or help

for the time being

temporarily, until circumstances change

hang in there

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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