tough row to hoe

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]

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

For the country, a pluralistic democracy with sharp-elbowed politics and, until the war at least, an oversized role for the business elites known as oligarchs, meeting the requirements will be a tough row to hoe.

From New York Times

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

From New York Times

If meme stocks, in essence, represent a middle finger to institutional investors and short-sellers, then Rivian was already going to have a tough row to hoe.

From The Verge