hard done by: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "hard done by" is a commonly used expression in English to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship or adversity. It originated in the UK or possibly Australia in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom, however, remains uncertain.

Derived from the verb "do" and the adverb "hard," the idiom implies that the subject has been subjected to an unfair or difficult treatment. It conveys a sense of sympathy for those who have faced adversity or mistreatment.

While the idiom is informal and primarily used in spoken language and informal writing, it has become well-known and widely used in English-speaking countries. It effectively captures the emotions and struggles of those who have faced adversity and invites empathy from its audience.

The idiom "hard done by" is often used in personal stories of hardship, discussions of social injustice, and even in fictional works to highlight characters' struggles.

One related idiom is "tough break," which means an unfortunate or difficult situation. It is often used to describe a disappointing outcome or a setback. Similar to "hard done by," it conveys a sense of sympathy for someone facing adversity.

Another related idiom is "give someone a hard time," which means to make things difficult or challenging for someone. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being treated unfairly or facing a lot of difficulties. This idiom reflects the idea of being "hard done by" as it focuses on the mistreatment or unfair treatment of someone.

An additional related idiom is "easier said than done," which means that something sounds simple or easy in theory, but is actually difficult to do or accomplish. This idiom emphasizes the challenges and difficulties faced by someone trying to overcome a particular situation or task. It aligns with the concept of being "hard done by" as it highlights the unfairness or difficulty of a situation.

Another related idiom is "do it tough," which means to experience hardship, difficulties, or adversity. It describes a situation where someone is going through a tough time and is struggling. This idiom encompasses the idea of being "hard done by" as it emphasizes the hardships and challenges faced by someone.

A final related idiom is "hard cheese," which means bad luck or misfortune. It is often used to express sympathy or commiseration with someone who has experienced an unfortunate situation or outcome. This idiom captures the sense of unfairness and hardship associated with being "hard done by."

The idiom "hard done by" is widely used to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship. It originated in the mid-19th century and has since become a well-known and commonly used expression in English-speaking countries. Related idioms such as "tough break," "give someone a hard time," "easier said than done," "do it tough," and "hard cheese" further convey the concept of unfair treatment and hardship. These idioms highlight the challenges, difficulties, and misfortunes faced by individuals, inviting empathy and understanding from their audiences.