You've got your work cut out

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

Facing a tough, big job, all laid out.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to tailoring; 'work cut out' meant prepped, slang by 1850s for tough. A 1853 'Times' uses it for a job pile.

Variants

  • Work cut

Usage Examples

  • You've got your work cut out; big fix!
  • Work cut out; she's got a mess.
  • Got your work cut out; tough day.

Browse More