laboring oar
The phrase "laboring oar" is often used metaphorically to describe the most challenging part of a task, drawing from its literal nautical origin.
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Definition
C1General
(figurative)The most demanding part of a task that requires the greatest effort.
Example
- She took the laboring oar in organizing the event, handling most of the logistics herself.
- In any project, someone has to take the laboring oar to ensure it succeeds.
B2Nautical
(literal)An oar that requires significant effort to operate, typically due to resistance in the water.
Example
- Rowing with the laboring oar in the choppy waters was exhausting.
- He handed me the laboring oar, and I struggled to keep the boat steady.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "laboring oar":