hard cheese

noun

, Slang.

1. an unpleasant, difficult, or adverse situation:

   It's hard cheese for the unskilled worker these days.

hard cheese

sentence substitute

1. slang.
   bad luck

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard cheese¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Pair it with grilled or roasted meats, or mature hard cheeses.

From Washington Post

In the evening dont take cream, strawberries, or junket, unless you eat hard cheese with them.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a very hard cheese, and therefore suitable for grating.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, some similar hard cheese could be used if desired, but the kind mentioned is recommended for the sake of economy.

From Project Gutenberg

The retailer frequently buys hard cheese by the ton, not by the cheese or by the box.

From Project Gutenberg

Certain varieties of hard cheese of foreign origin are now made to some extent in this country.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adversity
• hard time
• hardship
• misfortune
• setback
• tragedy