hard act to follow

a hard act to follow

Someone or something so exemplary that it overshadows anything that follows. I don't know how Mel's replacement will be received by the staff. He was so admired and respected that he'll be a tough act to follow. That award-winning play will be a tough act to follow on Broadway.
See also: act, follow, hard
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hard act to follow

Also, tough act to follow. An outstanding performance or individual. For example, Lucy was a terrific group leader-hers is a hard act to follow, or Bob's record is excellent-it will be a tough act to follow. This expression, dating from about 1900, was originally used for a particularly good vaudeville act that made the next act look poor by comparison. It soon was extended to other enterprises.
See also: act, follow, hard
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • a hard act to follow
  • a hard/tough act to follow
  • a tough act to follow
  • tough act to follow
  • How's this/that for (something)?
  • how's this/that for a...?
  • in a million
  • (something) in a million
  • hold (someone or something) up as an example
  • hold up as an example
References in periodicals archive
After the refreshments break, Selina Ross thanked Jean for the hard work she had done over the last three years as president and said she would be a hard act to follow.
Shawhead
When someone scores that many goals, it's a hard act to follow.
Robbie's a hard act to follow say Ireland duo
Huge thanks to Alwyn for his Unstinting work on our behalf in Cardiff - I have a hard act to follow.
Roberts has 'hard act to follow' on WRU board
Scotland'S craig Watson admits he has a hard act to follow after succeeding nigel Edwards as Walker cup captain.
Captain Watson admits he has got a hard act to follow; GOlf
If it is sold, new owners are going to have a really hard act to follow. Mark O'Neill, L3
Lane's LENS
"He will be a very hard act to follow but I am looking forward to the campaign."
Darling backs his successor
Hannon jnr has a hard act to follow at the Sussex venue as his old man, Richard, dominated on the Downs before passing the baton on to his son this season.
Sea Shanty can call Glorious tune
Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Fay Cunningham, said: "While we recognise that Tommy the Trumpeter is a hard act to follow, this is a new era for the Summer Festival."
Summer events to take place
He will be missed by thousands of Gazette readers and will be a hard act to follow.
Sandy will be missed; Your say
And Ash certainly got into the swim of things - but she's always a hard act to follow.
MAKES ASH BIG SPLASH IN WIPEOUT CHALLENGE; I'm A CELEBRITY.. I'm A CELEBRITY
Farewell gaffer - a class act, a hard act to follow.
THAT'S FOR YOU, BOSS; Now Bale will give tribute boots to Speedo's sons
Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the FAW, said: "John will be a hard act to follow for sure, but in appointing Gwyn, we are confident that we have found somebody to take on this opportunity and deliver."
Derfel is new WPL secretary
Even for Simon Cowell, last night was a hard act to follow.
It's Super Simon
Let's hope Blaenau Gwent next year can live up to our National Eisteddfod standards, they have a hard act to follow!
An Eisteddfod full of talent; VIEWPOINTS