Where things have become difficult is over whether or not researchers should be allowed to send signals into space pre-emptively, in order to attract the attention of any alien listeners who might be out there.

ECONOMIST: An argument over whether to send messages to aliens

Recently, things have become more difficult.

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But for a cup-tie with Celtic and the sale of Kevin MacDonald, things could have become extremely difficult.

BBC: Fans and Giovanni di Stefano vie for Dundee ownership

We are a very long way away from things picking up and I expect them to become substantially more difficult before they do.

BBC: Council facing 'bigger shortfall'

Bankruptcy stays on your record for seven to 10 years, and you'll find you are very limited in what you can do--simple things like renting an apartment or insuring a car will become much more difficult.

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