Work Cut Out for One, To Have One’s
To have trouble completing a task; to face a difficult job. This term, which alludes to a pattern cut from cloth that must then be made into a garment, has been used since about 1600. Anthony Trollope used it in Orley Farm (1862): “Everyone knew that his work was cut out for him.”
💡 Synonyms:
- To be in a pickle
- To be up a creek without a paddle
- To have one’s hands full
- To be in over one’s head
- To tackle a Herculean task
🔀 Antonyms:
- To have an easy ride
- To be a walk in the park
- To be a piece of cake
🤔 Related Idioms:
- Bite off more than you can chew - Taking on a task too big to handle comfortably.
- Burning the midnight oil - Working late into the night.
- Take the bull by the horns - Confronting a problem head-on.
- Hit the ground running - Starting a project or task with immediate energy and enthusiasm.
✨ Humorous quote: “Of course my job is difficult! They didn’t hire me for my good looks—although they got those for free.” - Anonymous
📜 Proverb: “The darkest hour is just before the dawn.” When facing a hard task, the most challenging moment often precedes the breakthrough or success.
📚 Suggested Literature:
- Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Successful task management often involves teamwork and persuasion skills.
- Poetry: If— by Rudyard Kipling. This piece speaks to overcoming adversity and challenges with resolve.
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). The film portrays the hardships in life and the tenacity needed to overcome them.
- Songs: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. A motivational anthem for facing intimidating challenges.
💬 Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell: No matter the size of the task or the challenge that lies ahead, remember that each thread you weave in your life’s fabric builds a masterpiece uniquely your own. So, grab those scissors and make impeccable cuts!
