tough row to hoe

Idioms  

1. Also, hard row to hoe. A difficult course, hard work to accomplish, as in He knew he'd have a tough row to hoe by running against this popular incumbent. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

And being as conservative as the triple option presents itself, it’s just a tough row to hoe in today’s game.

From Washington Post

“It’s a tough row to hoe, no question,” she told an Amherst College interviewer in 2009, describing the origins of her career as a writer.

From Washington Post

“Politically, it sends a message to challengers that you have a tough row to hoe to remain competitive,” he added.

From New York Times

“He had a tough row to hoe, and it came out OK.”

From Seattle Times

“It’s not their business… It’s a tough row to hoe unless it’s your career.”

From Washington Times