Idiom
hard cheese
Meanings
An expression meaning “that’s unfortunate,” often implying there’s nothing to be done about it.
Definition
“Hard cheese” is a British idiom meaning bad luck or a tough situation that you must accept.
“Hard cheese” is an informal British expression used to show that you think something is unfortunate. It often suggests that the situation can’t be changed and the person must deal with it. Speakers may use it to show sympathy or, sometimes, a blunt lack of sympathy.
Examples
- If you missed the deadline, hard cheese—you’ll have to wait until next month.
- Hard cheese, but the tickets are nonrefundable.
- You can’t come in without ID; hard cheese.
- Hard cheese if the bus left early—we’ll just take the next one.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.