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

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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.