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The idiom “tall order” in English Grammar describes a task or request that is particularly difficult or challenging to achieve. Just as the idiom indicates a towering challenge, it insinuates that the task at hand is not only demanding but also possibly beyond what is reasonable or expected. For example, being asked to complete a marathon after just a few days of training, would indeed be a tall order for you to perform. Read on to learn more about the meaning, origin, and usage of the Tall Order Idiom, discover its synonyms, and test your understanding with a quick quiz!
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Also Read: Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings
Tall Order: Meaning, Origin and Example
As you have already learned, the idiom “tall order” refers to a task or request that is extremely difficult to complete. This idiom communicates the idea that the expectations are high and may be unrealistic or challenging to meet. For example, catching every minute of the sports action is a tall order, even for the most diehard Olympics fan.
When it comes to the origin of the idiom “tall order” it is not exactly known, but it is believed to have come about in the late 19th to early 20th century, first appearing in print in 1893. Furthermore, the term “tall” in this context denotes something considerable or significant, while “order” refers to a command or request.
Also Read: Idioms for Angry
Tall Order Idiom Example Sentences
After getting through with the meaning and origin of the idiom “tall order” here are 5 example sentences of the idiom so that you can understand how to use it.
- Finishing this entire project by the end of the day is a tall order, but we will give it our best shot.
- Asking a three-year-old to be quiet for an entire movie is a tall order.
- Learning a new language in three months is a tall order, but with dedication, anything is possible.
- Convincing my boss to give us a three-day weekend is a tall order, but I’ll try my luck.
- Balancing a full-time job, school, and social life is a tall order, but I’m managing somehow.
Also Read: Idioms for Difficult Task
Synonyms of Tall Order Idiom
After understanding the meaning and usage examples of the idiom, here are synonyms which convey the idea that a task is very challenging.
| Demanding | Exacting |
| Difficult | Unreasonable |
| Impossible | Exorbitant |
Explore more exciting Synonyms below!
| Synonyms of Freedom | Synonyms of Brave |
| Synonyms of Welcome | Synonyms of Ability |
| Synonyms of Future | Synonyms of Journey |
Tall Order Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the details related to the ‘tall order’ idiom, it is time to test your learning with the help of this quiz.
- Finishing this project by tomorrow is a __________.
a. Piece of cake
b. Tall order
c. Small task
d. Easy job
- Asking a child to understand quantum physics is a __________.
a. Simple request
b. Tall order
c. Reasonable demand
d. Small task
- Climbing Mount Everest without oxygen is a __________.
a. Small task
b. Easy challenge
c. Tall order
d. Quick hike
Here are your answers!
- b. Tall order
- b. Tall order
- c. Tall order
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FAQs
The synonym for the idiom “tall order” is demanding. However, there are other synonyms as well such as difficult, unreasonable, impossible, exacting and exorbitant.
A person or task being a tall order for someone means that the person or task is extremely difficult to complete.
The idiom “tall talk” means to be boastful or exaggerated whilst storytelling. A person usually tall talks to impress others or to entertain them, but the stories told are generally untrue or greatly exaggerated.
The idiom “in short order” means something that happens quickly or is completed rapidly. It signifies that something is done efficiently and without delay.
The synonym for “high order” is magnificent. However, there are other synonyms of the idiom such as outstanding, superb and transcendent.
A “tall order” is a request or task that is very difficult or challenging to complete. It’s nearly the same as a tall task, but “tall order” is more commonly used.
This was all about the Tall Order Idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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