In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what this phrase means, why it appears in FCE answer keys, and how you can use it to boost your score. What Does "A Steep Learning Curve" Mean?

Don't swap "steep" for "hard" or "big." The colocation is almost always "steep."

Master the B2 First: Understanding "A Steep Learning Curve" If you are preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam, you have likely encountered the idiom It is a favorite in the Reading and Use of English paper and a high-level phrase to use in your Speaking and Writing tests.