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Tall order
01
a very difficult or unreasonable request
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "tall order" and when to use it?
The idiom "tall order" is used to describe a demand, task, or request that is challenging, difficult, or ambitious. The origin of this expression is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is likely derived from the idea of reaching for something that is physically out of reach or beyond one's grasp.
tall order
n
Example
Asking him to climb Mount Everest without any prior training is a tall order.
Completing the entire project by tomorrow is a tall order considering the amount of work involved and the tight deadline.
Writing a novel in a month is a tall order for most authors, as it typically takes much longer to develop and refine a full-length book.
The coach expects the team to win every game this season, which is a tall order considering the tough competition they will face.
The new employee was given a tall order on their first day, being asked to deliver a critical presentation to a room full of executives.