hard row to hoe

hard row to hoe или tough row to hoe  {n. phr.}

трудная жизнь; очень трудная работа.

She has a hard row to hoe with six children and her husband dead.

Young people without enough education will have a tough row to hoe when they have to support themselves.

Син..: HARD SLEDDING.

Ср.: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK, HARD NUT TO CRACK.