over the hump

Idioms and Phrases

Past the most difficult part, as in She's over the hump with her dissertation; she'll soon be done . This expression alludes to a barrier that impedes progress. [ Colloquial ; 1920s]

Example Sentences

“We’ve been able to go through the experiences of having success but not having success at the same time. I think to solidify the ultimate goal is to get over the hump and win. I think that will add a lot to our legacy. But as of right now, that story is kind of still untold.”

From Seattle Times

“And great opportunity to build a team that can move forward and become something, not better, but get over the hump a little bit here.”

From Seattle Times

But the Dodgers, again, couldn’t get all the way over the hump.

From Los Angeles Times

"I've got over the hump now of the Olympic cycle," he said.

From BBC

But, he added, “It doesn’t feel stable, and it doesn’t feel like we are over the hump, and things could really change at any moment.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• improving
• well