Matterhorn
Matterhorn (noun) means a task, obstacle, or challenge so daunting it feels almost impossible to overcome. Example: “Learning the whole symphony in a week felt like her own personal Matterhorn.”
How to use Matterhorn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stand-in for "the hardest part" of any undertaking, borrowed from the famously steep, hard-to-climb mountain.
Usually used figuratively in English, not to talk about the actual mountain — context makes clear which is meant.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Learning the whole symphony in a week felt like her own personal _____.
Etymology
Named after the Matterhorn, the sharply pointed mountain on the Swiss-Italian border — one of the most recognisable and difficult peaks in the Alps.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Matterhorn” mean?
The word “Matterhorn” means a task, obstacle, or challenge so daunting it feels almost impossible to overcome. In plain terms, a stand-in for "the hardest part" of any undertaking, borrowed from the famously steep, hard-to-climb mountain.
How do you use “Matterhorn” in a sentence?
Here is “Matterhorn” used in a sentence: “Learning the whole symphony in a week felt like her own personal Matterhorn.”
What part of speech is “Matterhorn”?
“Matterhorn” is a noun.
Where does the word “Matterhorn” come from?
The word “Matterhorn” comes from Italian. Named after the Matterhorn, the sharply pointed mountain on the Swiss-Italian border — one of the most recognisable and difficult peaks in the Alps.
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