At first, all things appear difficult.
At first, all things appear difficult.
Meaning in plain English
Everything appearing difficult at first gives unfamiliar beginnings a demanding character. The saying offers perspective on early uncertainty.
Example
A learner seeks relevant help with a new task and later reviews whether the approach suits their needs.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
All is an exaggeration rather than a guarantee that every task starts hard or becomes easy. A useful interpretation can allow learning, support and adjustment without insisting an unsuitable undertaking should continue. Some obstacles are structural, and an easy beginning is not evidence that the work lacks value.
When to use it
Use it as qualified reassurance about beginnings.
Keep in mind
No universal initial difficulty or guaranteed ease through persistence is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 295; PDF page 32; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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