(one's) work is cut out for (one)

(one's) work is cut out for (one)

One has much to do or many obstacles to overcome in order to complete, accomplish, or achieve something as intended. I knew my work was cut out for me when I saw how messy the play room was. Our work was cut out for us with that most recent intern, but she actually proved to be a great asset to the company in time. The team went 2-14 last year, so the new coach's work is really cut out for him!

See also: cut, for, out, work

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

one's work is cut out for one

Fig. one's task is prepared for one; one has a lot of work to do. This is a big job. My work is cut out for me. The new president's work is cut out for him.

See also: cut, for, one, out, work

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.