Literal meaning: to eat force.
Figuratively meaning: to be a strain or strenuous, exhausting or be exhausted.
1. fèi lì
费 力 （need or use great effort; be strenuous）
e.g.
nà wèi shānɡ yuán chī lì dì zhàn le qǐ lái 。
那位伤员吃力地站了起来。
The wounded soldier has made efforts to stand up.
tā xué xí chī lì 。
他学习吃力。
He has difficulty in his studies.
2. pí láo
疲 劳 （ tired ; fatigued）
e.g.
ɡǎn dào pí láo / ɡǎn dào chī lì
感 到 疲 劳/ 感 到 吃 力
suffer from fatigue;
*3. jīnɡ dé qǐ yā lì
经 得 起 压 力 （can stand the strain）