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to be murder
01
(of a task) to be very difficult or almost impossible to do or complete
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Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "be murder" and when to use it?
The idiom "be murder" is used to describe a task, situation, or experience that is extremely difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. The expression originated in the early 19th century and draws its metaphorical meaning from the act of committing murder, which is considered one of the most wicked and difficult acts to do.
Example
Trying to assemble the complicated furniture without the instructions was murder.
Dealing with a difficult boss can be murder.
Learning a new language from scratch can be murder.
The long hours and physical labor required for the construction project were murder on the workers.
Balancing work and family commitments can be murder.
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