# have one's work cut out for one

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-ones-work-cut-out-for-one
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To face a large task or project.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.