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

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

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