uphill

Virginia and New Jersey were always going to be uphill races for Republicans, since these odd-year gubernatorial elections sometimes go against the party in the White House.

Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher said ahead of the result mayor Mamdani would face an uphill battle "at the center of all of these nasty political controversies."

Liverpool are already facing an uphill task to retain their title, with leaders Arsenal seven points ahead of them - having not conceded a goal since the end of September.

Even the fastest marathoners slow down as much as 10% on the uphills.

“And though they’d be saying that race was a predominant factor in drawing the lines, that’s very, very, very different from proving it. That’s an uphill mountain to climb on these facts.”