To make progress only with difficulty.
make heavy going of
to make heavy weather of
heavy going
Something that is boring; difficult to make progress on, or tedious
make quick work of
To accomplish a specified task easily and quickly.
make head or tail of
To understand even minimally.
make an exhibition of oneself
To embarrass oneself or others in public by behaving foolishly.
make good
To achieve substantial success in life, often in business.