have (one's) work cut out for (one)
have (one's) work cut out for (one)
To be faced with a difficult task. I knew I had my work cut out for me when I saw how messy the play room was.
See also: cut, have, out, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have one's work cut out for (one)
Fig. to have a large and difficult task prepared for one. They sure have their work cut out for them, and it's going to be hard. There is a lot for Bob to do. He has his work cut out for him.
See also: cut, have, out, work
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
have one's work cut out for one
Face a difficult task, as in This is a very large house to manage, so I have my work cut out for me. This expression alludes to cloth cut out to make a garment. [c. 1600]
See also: cut, have, one, out, work
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- have one's work cut out for one
- have work cut out for
- have your work cut out
- have (one's) work cut out
- cut a fat hog
- cut eyes at
- cut eyes at (someone or something)
- wouldn't cut hot butter
- cut out for, to be