The phrase "hard to solve" refers to a problem that is difficult to resolve or find a solution to. There are several synonyms that can be used in its place, depending on the context. These include "challenging," "complex," "intricate," "complicated," "difficult," "knotty," "troublesome," and "perplexing." Each of these words implies a level of difficulty that requires time, effort, and patience to resolve. They can be used interchangeably to describe problems in various fields such as science, math, engineering, and business. When faced with a problem that is hard to solve, it's important to approach it with a clear mind and a willingness to persevere until a solution is found.