a tough row to hoe
US /ə tʌf roʊ tə hoʊ/
UK /ə tʌf roʊ tə hoʊ/
1.
a difficult task or situation to deal with
:
•
Starting a new business is a tough row to hoe, but it can be very rewarding.
•
Dealing with all the bureaucracy was a tough row to hoe.