What does it mean?
Hard/Tough Act to Follow - An outstanding person or performance that’s so impressive it makes anything coming after seem less significant. This term came from American vaudeville, circa the early 1900s, where a particularly excellent act would make the next one look bland by comparison.
Related Terms and Synonyms:
- Tough Nut to Crack: Something or someone difficult to deal with.
- Showstopper: A performance or production that receives prolonged, enthusiastic applause.
- Gold Standard: Something of superior quality to which others aspire.
Antonyms:
- Easy act to follow: Something mediocre or easily succeeded.
- Low bar: Inconsequential standards or achievements.
Thought-Provoking Quote:
💬 “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
Recommend Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: A story of shouldn’t-be-good-enough standards and chasing excellence.
- Song: “We are the Champions” by Queen: Celebrating unmatchable greatness.
- Movie: “Whiplash” – The hard-to-follow quest for excellence in jazz drumming.
Fun Fact:
- American Vaudeville, an early variety entertainment show, birthed many idioms, some of which stay with us today. ✨
### Which of these expressions means something hard to surpass?
- [x] A hard act to follow
- [ ] A slipper on a marble floor
- [ ] A feather in the wind
- [ ] A train without brakes
> **Explanation:** "A hard act to follow" is the only one that means something challenging to compete with. The others? Just colorful nonsense!
### What originated the phrase "a hard act to follow"?
- [x] Vaudeville
- [ ] Opera
- [ ] Spaghetti Westerns
- [ ] Renaissance Fairs
> **Explanation:** The phrase has its roots in American vaudeville, where one dynamite performance could overshadow the next.
### Which of these does NOT mean exceptional quality?
- [ ] Showstopper
- [ ] Gold Standard
- [x] Low bar
- [ ] Triple threat
> **Explanation:** "Low bar" indicates something substandard, unlike the others which point to excellence.
### True or False: "Tough nut to crack" is a synonym for "hard act to follow".
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Yes, indeed! Both refer to something or someone challenging to overcome or surpass.
👋 Farewell, and remember: Your goal is not to be the next best act, but the act that’s forever memorable. ✨
