expressions - idiom for proceeding slowly and with difficulty


Is there an idiom I could use if I wanted to say that someone is doing something with a lot difficulty and slowly?


I cannot think of anything. Thanks


Edit from comment:


For example: You have learnt a lot of things and you will sail through the exams. Your lazy friends on the contrary will slog their way through it.


Is there an expression I can use instead of slog to convey a similar meaning?



Answer



Wading through treacle gets several hits on line


If the effort is doomed to failure it can be described as a Sisyphean task


>



Merriam Webster Definition of SISYPHEAN : of, relating to, or suggestive of the labors of Sisyphus


SISYPHUS : a legendary king of Corinth condemned eternally to repeatedly roll a heavy rock up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top



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