as in challenging
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
she loves coming up with the "big idea" but hates the actual pick-and-shovel work of starting a new business
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Recent Examples of pick-and-shovel
Investors have an insatiable appetite to fund the pick-and-shovel businesses underpinning data-center buildouts and Ford’s version of an AI pivot shows that even staid companies like the 122-year-old giant aren’t above the fray.
—
Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
The company's growth has been partially fueled by robust demand for its iPhones, which is especially likely to boost the group of pick-and-shovel plays, according to Stifel.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 May 2026
This is a pick-and-shovel play with accelerating demand.
—Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026
The biggest beneficiaries here aren’t only the flashy tech giants but also the pick-and-shovel players: processor makers, cooling system vendors, and the unsung heroes of database architecture etc.
—Kjartan Rist, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
The core operation and a smattering of pick-and-shovel prospects mined the surface gold that was easily extracted by hand from exposed late Cretaceous-period rocks that shed bits of precious minerals in flakes, nuggets and dust.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Jan. 2024
Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
The company's growth has been partially fueled by robust demand for its iPhones, which is especially likely to boost the group of pick-and-shovel plays, according to Stifel.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 May 2026
This is a pick-and-shovel play with accelerating demand.
—Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026
The biggest beneficiaries here aren’t only the flashy tech giants but also the pick-and-shovel players: processor makers, cooling system vendors, and the unsung heroes of database architecture etc.
—Kjartan Rist, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
The core operation and a smattering of pick-and-shovel prospects mined the surface gold that was easily extracted by hand from exposed late Cretaceous-period rocks that shed bits of precious minerals in flakes, nuggets and dust.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pick-and-shovel
Adjective
-
The agreement calls for an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and sets out expectations for the next phase of talks, which will tackle more challenging issues, mainly the future of Iran's nuclear program.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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This creates a particularly challenging environment for those working in contributor welfare.—
Emma Pringle,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
This is why getting a high-definition picture of a leader — through rigorous assessment, psychometric profiling, structured reference gathering, and behavioural history — is not an optional extra in the selection process.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Every gas article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The formula is more demanding than most people realize, and the research behind it suggests close friendships may matter more for long-term health than almost anything else.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
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Why do humanoids still struggle The problem is that battlefields are among the most demanding environments imaginable.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Atlas Lions also frustrated their Scottish foes with their physicality, taking down Christie, McTominay and others with a series of hard challenges that did not draw whistles.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
20 June 2026
-
The Cardinals had rallied for three runs in the ninth, and Jose Fermin hit a hard grounder to Tolbert’s left.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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More than 30 years ago, Anna and her manager and trusted companion, Betsy Samson (a formidable Denise Burse), fled to Europe on the heels of a highbrow scandal.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Sure, Carpenter’s cut-the-ruggers are pizzazzing with their flips and cartwheels, but the Grande gang make formidable dance foes in the Sharks and Jets sense of the word.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
This will surely bring up some complicated emotions.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
-
Behind the glitter, grooves and Grammy-winning legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire sits a more complicated story, revealing a more personal side of the band’s founder, Maurice White.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pick-and-shovel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pick-and-shovel. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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