a tough row to hoe

Related to a tough row to hoe: raise hackles, if push comes to shove, gunning for, up and about, without a hitch

a tough row to hoe

A particularly difficult or problematic task, situation, or set of circumstances to contend with or confront. Immigration reform was one of the new president's primary campaign promises, but it will likely prove a tough row to hoe given the deep divisions in congress. I know finishing this thesis will be a tough row to hoe, but I'm actually looking forward to the challenge.
See also: hoe, row, tough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tough row to hoe

 and hard row to hoe
Fig. a difficult task to carry out; a heavy set of burdens. It's a tough row to hoe, but hoe it you will. This is not an easy task. This is a hard row to hoe.
See also: hoe, row, tough
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

tough row to hoe

Also, hard row to hoe. A difficult course, hard work to accomplish, as in He knew he'd have a tough row to hoe by running against this popular incumbent. [First half of 1800s]
See also: hoe, row, tough
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

tough row to hoe

n. a difficult task to carry out; a heavy set of burdens. This is not an easy task. This is a tough row to hoe.
See also: hoe, row, tough
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

a tough row to hoe

Informal
A difficult situation to endure.
See also: hoe, row, tough
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • a long row to hoe
  • tough row to hoe
  • a hard row to hoe
  • hoe
  • go down the rabbit hole
  • rabbit hole
  • pull the carpet (out) from under (one's) feet
  • pull the carpet/rug out from under somebody's feet
  • be in a cleft stick
References in periodicals archive
Spun off from Apple Computer in 1990 with Porat, 48, at the helm, Sunnyvale, CA-based General Magic has a tough row to hoe as it seeks to set the global software standard in automated, interpersonal communications.
Communicating in the Magic kingdom
The current generation of American ballet choreographers has a tough row to hoe, not only in large urban areas but also in regional vineyards like Portland.
Oregon Ballet Theatre
"Anybody--magazines or broadcasters--that relies on advertising as a revenue source, had a tough row to hoe last year."
Black businesses woo hungry investors
It's a tough row to hoe, given the slowdown in global tourism, soft real estate, and overcapacity.
Sir Rocco Forte