over the hump

USAGE SUMMARY

"over the hump" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe the point at which things become easier or when a goal is close to being achieved. For example, "I finally got over the hump and was able to make progress on my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Maybe he's over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

He just never got over the hump.

The Guardian - Sport

She made it over the hump.

The New York Times

We couldn't get over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

"But we're over the hump, I'd say".

The New Yorker

That really got us over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

We've got to get over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

Today we got over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

This time we got over the hump.

The New York Times - Sports

Chicago finally gets over the hump.

The New York Times - Sports

"They just couldn't get over the hump".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over the hump" to illustrate that a difficult phase is ending and things are improving. It's effective in describing progress in projects, recovery from illness, or overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "over the hump" too early in a process. Ensure that genuine progress has been made and that the worst is truly behind you before declaring that the difficult phase has passed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the hump" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct and usable phrase. It generally serves as a noun phrase within a sentence, often acting as a complement or an adverbial modifier to describe progress or achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "over the hump" effectively conveys that a difficult phase is ending and things are improving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media. While suitable for general communication, it should be used judiciously in formal writing where more precise alternatives might be preferred. Remember, ensure genuine progress before declaring that you are "over the hump" and use the phrase to add color and clarity to your descriptions of overcoming challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned the corner

This suggests a significant improvement or a change in direction after a period of difficulty.

past the difficult part

This alternative directly references the phase of hardship and its completion.

through the worst of it

This phrase emphasizes enduring and emerging from the most difficult phase of a situation.

out of the woods

This idiom implies exiting a dangerous or precarious situation, suggesting safety and recovery.

past the crisis

This alternative focuses on the sense of having navigated through a critical or challenging period.

beyond the critical point

This phrase highlights the transition past a crucial and often unstable phase.

seeing the light at the end of the tunnel

This idiom suggests nearing the end of a long and challenging situation, with hope for relief.

achieved a breakthrough

This phrase suggests a sudden and significant advancement that overcomes previous obstacles.

reached a milestone

This emphasizes the achievement of a significant goal or stage in a process.

making good progress

This emphasizes the positive forward movement after a period of stagnation or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "over the hump" in a sentence?

You can use "over the hump" to indicate that the most difficult part of something is finished and things are starting to improve. For instance, "We're finally "over the hump" with this project, and now it's just about wrapping up the final details."

What are some alternatives to saying "over the hump"?

Some alternatives to "over the hump" include phrases like "turned the corner", "out of the woods", or "past the crisis", which all suggest that the worst part is behind you.

Is it appropriate to use "over the hump" in formal writing?

While "over the hump" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives that convey the same meaning, such as "beyond the critical point" or "achieved a breakthrough".

What does it mean when someone says "We're not over the hump yet"?

If someone says, "We're not "over the hump" yet", it means that the most challenging part of a situation or project is still ongoing, and it's too early to declare success or improvement.