half the battle
Meaning(s)
1. a substantial part of a larger project or goal
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
the worst part is done, that's half the battle
Analysis
The idiomatic phrase 'half the battle' can be used literally or sarcastically to refer to the main or most challenging part of a larger goal or project. If you say that something is half the battle it means that it is worst or most difficult part. This phrase comes from the full idioms which not often used anymore: 'the first blow is half the battle' or 'a good start is half the battle'.
Social Examples (Advance)
- There is so much to do before dinner tonight, but the meat is in the oven, so that's half the battle.
- I don't know where to begin with this project. Translating the work is only half the battle.
- For those suffering from chronic pain, just getting out of bed is half the battle.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Getting funding for this work was half the battle. Now we actually have to do it!
- Half the battle of encouraging people to work here is getting them to commute so far outside the city.