hard act to follow

Idioms and Phrases

Also, tough act to follow . An outstanding performance or individual. For example, Lucy was a terrific group leader—hers is a hard act to follow , or Bob's record is excellent—it will be a tough act to follow . This expression, dating from about 1900, was originally used for a particularly good vaudeville act that made the next act look poor by comparison. It soon was extended to other enterprises.