A hard/tough act to follow

phrase

Something or someone so impressive or exceptional that it is hard to replace or surpass.

The previous president put in so much hard work into the company's growth. He's definitely a hard act to follow.
Visual representation of "a hard/tough act to follow" - Something or someone so impressive or exceptional that it is hard to replace or surpass.

Often appears as...

  • he's a hard act to follow
  • that's a tough act to follow

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Something or someone so impressive or exceptional that it is hard to replace or surpass.

The previous president put in so much hard work into the company's growth. He's definitely a hard act to follow.
Visual representation of "a hard/tough act to follow" - Something or someone so impressive or exceptional that it is hard to replace or surpass.

Often appears as...

  • he's a hard act to follow
  • that's a tough act to follow

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a hard/tough act to follow"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impressive Predecessor

Used when someone did a job so well that it seems difficult for the next person to be as good.

Illustration for Impressive Predecessor
After the award-winning director left, everyone knew she'd be a tough act to follow.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Successor's Challenge

Highlights the daunting task faced by someone taking over from a greatly admired figure.

Illustration for Successor's Challenge
The new coach has big shoes to fill; his predecessor is a hard act to follow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Performance Anxiety

Can imply the pressure felt by someone who fears they can't meet high expectations.

Illustration for Performance Anxiety
Being the next vocalist after her is a tough act to follow; I'm nervous.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impressive Predecessor

Used when someone did a job so well that it seems difficult for the next person to be as good.

Illustration for Impressive Predecessor
After the award-winning director left, everyone knew she'd be a tough act to follow.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Successor's Challenge

Highlights the daunting task faced by someone taking over from a greatly admired figure.

Illustration for Successor's Challenge
The new coach has big shoes to fill; his predecessor is a hard act to follow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Performance Anxiety

Can imply the pressure felt by someone who fears they can't meet high expectations.

Illustration for Performance Anxiety
Being the next vocalist after her is a tough act to follow; I'm nervous.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impressive Predecessor

Used when someone did a job so well that it seems difficult for the next person to be as good.

Illustration for Impressive Predecessor
After the award-winning director left, everyone knew she'd be a tough act to follow.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Successor's Challenge

Highlights the daunting task faced by someone taking over from a greatly admired figure.

Illustration for Successor's Challenge
The new coach has big shoes to fill; his predecessor is a hard act to follow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Performance Anxiety

Can imply the pressure felt by someone who fears they can't meet high expectations.

Illustration for Performance Anxiety
Being the next vocalist after her is a tough act to follow; I'm nervous.
Visual representation of the word "A hard/tough act to follow"

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