What does “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” mean?

"Have a Tough Row to Hoe" means to have a difficult task or challenge ahead.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Starting a new business is having a tough row to hoe.

Example

He knew he had a tough row to hoe when he signed up for the marathon.

Example

Getting through medical school is having a tough row to hoe

Is “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have a Tough 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 “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” effectively in context?

You can use "Have a Tough Row to Hoe" to describe a situation or task that is challenging or difficult. It emphasizes the idea of having to work hard and face obstacles. For example, if someone is starting a new business, you might say, 'They have a tough row to hoe ahead of them.'

1Starting a Business
Starting a new business is having a tough row to hoe.
2Sports
He knew he had a tough row to hoe when he signed up for the marathon.
3Education
Getting through medical school is having a tough row to hoe.

Similar phrases to “Have a Tough Row to Hoe”:

An uphill battle

A difficult struggle or challenge

Example

Getting promoted in this company is an uphill battle.

A hard nut to crack

A difficult problem or challenge to solve

Example

The math equation was a hard nut to crack.

A steep learning curve

A difficult process of learning something new

Example

Learning to play the piano has a steep learning curve.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have a Tough Row to Hoe" is unknown.

Is “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have a Tough Row to Hoe" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe challenging situations or tasks that require hard work and perseverance.

What tone does “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” have?

"Have a Tough Row to Hoe" conveys a tone of acknowledging the difficulty of a task or situation. It implies that the person facing the challenge will need to put in a lot of effort and determination to overcome it.

Can “Have a Tough Row to Hoe” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have a Tough Row to Hoe" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a difficult task or challenge. 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 "having a tough row to hoe".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's going to be a tough row to hoe!' to imply the difficulty of a situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

a difficult task
a challenging situation
an arduous journey
a demanding endeavor
a tough challenge

Antonyms

an easy task
a simple situation
a smooth journey
an effortless endeavor
a piece of cake