Have Your Work Cut Out for You – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever accepted a project you knew would take every ounce of your energy? Or looked at a messy kitchen after a big party and sighed, “I’ve got my work cut out for me”? In English, the phrase have your work cut out for you means you’re facing a tough, time-consuming, or demanding challenge—and you’ll need to work hard to succeed.
What Does “Have Your Work Cut Out For You” Mean?
“Have your work cut out for you” means to face a difficult task that will require serious effort, focus, or time to complete. Think of it like a tailor who’s already cut fabric pieces for a complex suit—you know exactly what you must do, but it won’t be easy. The phrase isn’t negative; it’s realistic, often used with respect or sympathy.
When to Use It
Use this idiom in neutral, empathetic, or motivational conversations:
• When someone takes on a hard project: “Managing that team? You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
• In work or school contexts: “With three exams this week, she’s got her work cut out for her.”
• When acknowledging effort ahead: “Cleaning the whole house before guests arrive? Good luck—you’ve got your work cut out for you!”
It’s slightly informal but widely used—perfect for speaking, texts, and storytelling. Avoid it in formal reports, but it’s great for real-life English.
Example Sentences
- He’s new to the role and already has his work cut out for him.
- Getting this startup off the ground? You’ve definitely got your work cut out for you.
- After the storm, the cleanup crew had their work cut out for them.
- “Do you really want to run a marathon next month?” “Yeah—and I’ve got my work cut out for me training!”
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You’re coaching the junior team AND teaching full-time?”
Jamie: “Yep. I’ve got my work cut out for me this semester.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t say “have work cut out” without “your” (or “his,” “her,” etc.)—the possessive is essential. Also, it’s always “work” (uncountable), never “works.” And while it sounds like a warning, it’s not always negative; it can show admiration for someone’s courage to take on a challenge.
❌ Don’t say: “I have work cut out for me.” (Missing “my”!)
✅ Do say: “I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
✅ Do say: “They’ll have their work cut out for them, but I believe in them.”
Practice Tip
Next time you or someone you know faces a big challenge—moving, studying, organizing—say: “You’ve got your work cut out for you.” Using the phrase with genuine acknowledgment builds natural, empathetic fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “have your work cut out for you” to recognize tough challenges with realism and respect—just like native speakers do. It’s a phrase full of quiet admiration, used when people step up to hard tasks. Keep listening for it in shows, workplace chats, and honest advice. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people honor effort. Keep going—you’ve got this!