What does “A long row to hoe” mean?
"A long row to hoe" means a difficult task or challenge that requires a lot of effort and perseverance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Starting a new business is definitely a long row to hoe.
Example
Getting through medical school is a long row to hoe.
Example
Losing weight and getting fit is a long row to hoe
Is “A long row to hoe” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A long row to hoe” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A long row to hoe” effectively in context?
You can use "A long row to hoe" to describe a difficult task or challenge that requires a lot of effort and perseverance. It emphasizes the idea that the task at hand will take time and hard work to accomplish. For example, if someone is starting a new business, you might say, 'Starting a new business is definitely a long row to hoe.'
- 1Entrepreneurship
Starting a new business is definitely a long row to hoe.
- 2Education
Getting through medical school is a long row to hoe.
- 3Fitness
Losing weight and getting fit is a long row to hoe.
Similar phrases to “A long row to hoe”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A long row to hoe” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A long row to hoe" is unknown.
Is “A long row to hoe” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A long row to hoe" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe challenging tasks or situations that require a significant amount of effort and perseverance.
What tone does “A long row to hoe” have?
"A long row to hoe" conveys a tone of acknowledging the difficulty of a task while emphasizing the need for determination and hard work. It's often used to encourage someone who is facing a challenging situation.
Can “A long row to hoe” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "A long row to hoe" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile proverb that conveys the idea of a difficult task requiring perseverance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Starting a new business is definitely "a long row to hoe".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'It's going to be "a long row to hoe"' to imply the difficulty of a task.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- a difficult task
- a challenging endeavor
- a demanding undertaking
- a laborious journey
- a strenuous effort
Antonyms
- an easy task
- a simple endeavor
- a straightforward undertaking
- a smooth journey
- an effortless effort
