have one's work cut out for one
To face a large task or project.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You have your work cut out for you with that messy room.”
“The team has their work cut out for them to finish this project by tomorrow morning.”
“Given the severe budget cuts and the tight deadline, the new manager clearly has her work cut out for her to save the company.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
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act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026