A hard row to hoe

Meaning

A task that will take a lot of effort, usually because conditions are challenging.

Usage

Used when acknowledging obstacles or unpleasant work ahead.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Comes from farming, where a row of soil that resists the hoe takes more labor.

Tracked in American farming communities in the nineteenth century as farmers described tough ground.