a tough/hard row to hoe
noun phrase
: something that is difficult to do or deal with
I am considering becoming a doctor, but I know that it's a tough row to hoe.
Examples of a tough/hard row to hoe in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The directors branch is notoriously snobby, which will be a tough row to hoe for Wicked’s Jon M. Chu, who got his start directing films in the Step Up and G.I. Joe franchises.
—
Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024
Both factors leave mods new and old with a tough row to hoe moving forward.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 5 Sep. 2023
Opener Gordie Brown had a tough row to hoe, with an audience eager for the main event.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2023
The new director of the nation's top public health institute is looking at a tough row to hoe.
—Star Tribune, 14 Feb. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024
Both factors leave mods new and old with a tough row to hoe moving forward.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 5 Sep. 2023
Opener Gordie Brown had a tough row to hoe, with an audience eager for the main event.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2023
The new director of the nation's top public health institute is looking at a tough row to hoe.
—Star Tribune, 14 Feb. 2021
Cite this Entry
“A tough/hard row to hoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20tough%2Fhard%20row%20to%20hoe. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share