have one's work cut out for one
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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.
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.
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]