# long row to hoe

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/long-row-to-hoe
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A difficult, arduous task or set of tasks; a lengthy, demanding project.

## Examples

- Learning a new language is a long row to hoe.
- Starting a business from scratch is a long row to hoe, but she is ready for the challenge.
- Rebuilding the city after the disaster will be a long row to hoe, requiring years of dedication and significant resources from the entire community.

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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.