a (tough|hard) row to hoe

a situation that causes difficulties for one

The idiom "a tough row to hoe" originated from the agricultural practice of hoeing rows in a field to prepare the soil for planting. This expression is used to suggest that the task at hand requires considerable effort, endurance, and perseverance, just as tilling a row of soil can be physically demanding and labor-intensive.

Tax reform was one of the new president's primary campaign promises, but it will likely prove a hard row to hoe, given the deep divisions in congress.
Starting a new business without any financial backing is a tough row to hoe.It requires overcoming numerous obstacles and building a customer base from scratch.
Taking care of an aging parent with complex medical needs can be a hard row to hoe.It involves managing their care, juggling responsibilities, and maintaining personal well-being.
Training for a marathon is a tough row to hoe, requiring months of dedicated preparation, discipline, and pushing through physical and mental barriers.
Climbing the corporate ladder in a competitive industry can be a hard row to hoe.It demands consistent hard work, networking, and proving oneself in a challenging environment.