Definition

Noun: A difficult, demanding, or challenging task or requirement; something that is hard to achieve or fulfill.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a request, goal, or job that is considered very difficult to accomplish due to its scale, complexity, or the high expectations involved. It often implies skepticism about the possibility of success.

Examples

• The client's request for a complete redesign by tomorrow is a large order.
• Reducing our carbon footprint by 50% in one year is a large order, but we must try.
• Asking a new team to deliver a flawless product on their first project is a large order.

Advanced Usage

• "to fill/meet a large order": To successfully complete a difficult task or requirement.
  • The engineering team worked tirelessly to fill the large order of creating a prototype in just one week.
• "to be faced with a large order": To be confronted by a difficult task.
  • The new manager was faced with the large order of turning around the failing department.

Variants and Related Words

• Tall order: A more common and idiomatic synonym with the exact same meaning.
  • Asking for a promotion after only three months is a tall order.

Synonyms

• Daunting task
• Formidable challenge
• Stiff requirement
• Big ask (informal)

Related Phrases

• A tough/hard row to hoe: An idiom meaning a difficult task to undertake.
  • Revitalizing the old neighborhood will be a tough row to hoe.
• A Herculean task: An idiom referring to a task requiring enormous strength or effort, from the Greek myths about Hercules.
  • Cleaning the entire warehouse in one day was a Herculean task.

Noun

1. a formidable task or requirement
   • finishing in time was a tall order but we did it