It's difficult to make headway.
An American’s Explanation:
Moving forward in or through a difficult situation.
- Boss: How are you doing on the business report?
Worker: Most of the information you asked me to gather was put into long term storage so I had to dig through several dusty boxes before I could make headway on the report. But don’t worry… I promise the report will be on your desk by the end of today!
Boss: Good! I’ll be looking forward to it. - When I first came to the United States, everything was so completely different! It was very difficult at first, but I was able to make headway thanks to the great instructors of Speak American English!
- Karl: Wow… did you see how pretty Megan looks today?
Alex: Geez, it’s been months now and you haven’t made any headway with this girl at all? When are you going to ask her out on a date?!
Karl: I have too made some headway!! We had a short conversation earlier this morning even!
Alex: Whaaaat? I was in the elevator at that time… all she said to you was please push the button to the 5th floor!!! How's *THAT* making any headway?!!