General
Heavy lift
A task requiring substantial effort.
Plain English
A lot of work, more than it first appears.
If you’re new here
A useful phrase for pushing back constructively. It signals scale without saying no.
What they probably mean
“That's much more work than you think.”
Interpretation offered as humour, not authoritative guidance.
Bureaucracy level
Moderate · 3/5
How much government-speak this phrase carries. Playful indicator, not a judgement of anyone using it.
Related terms
Was this explanation helpful?
Important
GC Simplified is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, and it does not provide official advice. Plain language is an interpretation, and interpretations can be wrong. Always verify against the source and your organization’s own guidance before acting.