crack a difficult problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack a difficult problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to solving or finding a solution to a challenging issue or puzzle. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, we finally managed to crack a difficult problem that had been stumping our team for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reliably forecasting the timing, location, and magnitude of an earthquake has been a difficult problem to crack.

Science Magazine

I'm sorry for our supporters but we've tried almost everything and are finding it a difficult problem to crack.

BBC

Detection of cracks on concrete structures is a difficult problem due to the changes in width and direction of the cracks, as well as the variability in the surface texture.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It's a difficult problem (see "Cracking the Brain's Codes").

MIT Technology Review

It is a difficult problem.

The New York Times

'I was facing a difficult problem.

Independent

"That's a difficult problem".

The New York Times

It's a difficult problem.

The Guardian

PHILADELPHIA.; Sees a Difficult Problem.

The New York Times

We agree this is a difficult problem.

Harvard University

It is a difficult problem to solve.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "crack a difficult problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the challenge's complexity. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the effort and ingenuity required for resolution. This phrase often implies a eureka moment, a sudden realization that provides the solution.

Common error

Avoid using "crack a difficult problem" too frequently in your writing, as the metaphor can become stale. Diversify your language by using synonyms like "solve a tough problem" or "resolve a challenging issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack a difficult problem" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of successfully solving or resolving a challenging issue. The word "crack" indicates the suddenness or ingenuity required to find the solution. In this usage, it is correct and acceptable according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack a difficult problem" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe solving a complex challenge. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. Although examples are missing, it implies a moment of ingenuity and sudden discovery in finding a solution. Synonyms such as "solve a tough problem" or "resolve a challenging issue" can be used to diversify your writing. While the metaphor is effective, overusing it should be avoided. The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternative phrasings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solve a tough problem

Replaces "crack" with the more common verb "solve" and "difficult" with "tough", resulting in a more straightforward expression.

resolve a challenging issue

Substitutes "crack" with "resolve", which implies a more formal approach to problem-solving, and replaces "difficult" with "challenging".

break through a hard problem

Uses "break through" as a synonym of "crack", and "hard" as a synonym of "difficult".

overcome a complex obstacle

Uses "overcome" to denote success in dealing with the problem, framing it as an "obstacle" to be surpassed, also "complex" instead of "difficult".

address a thorny question

Replaces "problem" with "question", which suggests a more intellectual challenge, and uses "thorny" to indicate the sensitive nature of the issue.

untangle a complicated matter

Employs "untangle" to evoke the sense of gradually resolving a confused or intricate situation, while also uses "matter" rather than "problem".

master a demanding challenge

Replaces the idea of finding a solution with the idea of mastering a challenge. A demanding challenge is the synonym for a difficult problem.

decipher a puzzling enigma

Uses "decipher" to convey the act of uncovering or understanding something hidden or mysterious, framing the problem as an "enigma".

get to the bottom of a vexing issue

Employs a more idiomatic expression, suggesting a thorough investigation to understand and resolve a troublesome "issue".

find a solution to a knotty dilemma

Substitutes "crack" with "find a solution", replaces "difficult" with "knotty" and "problem" with "dilemma", maintaining the sense of complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "crack a difficult problem" in a sentence?

You can use "crack a difficult problem" to describe finding a solution to a particularly challenging issue. For example: "After weeks of research, the team managed to crack a difficult problem in quantum physics."

What can I say instead of "crack a difficult problem"?

You can use alternatives like "solve a tough problem", "resolve a challenging issue", or "overcome a complex obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "crack a difficult problem" in formal writing?

While "crack a difficult problem" is acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "resolve a complex issue" or "address a significant challenge".

What does it mean to "crack" something in this context?

In this context, "crack" means to solve or find a solution to a problem. It implies breaking through the complexity or difficulty to reveal the answer.