hard sell

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But she says that the idea was initially a hard sell.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

It was a hard sell for then-President Lyndon Johnson, who had to convince Americans that their money was still worth something even if it was essentially worthless as metal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

But she cautioned that parts of the budget might be a hard sell for Canadians struggling immediately with the cost of living.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

But the latest news is a hard sell for him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

“I have my fingers crossed. But I got to tell you, landscape is a hard sell with the vuvv. They think we paint still lifes. Fruit in a bowl and stuff.”

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson