SRK has his work cut out for him…

With several of his recent movies having flopped, SRK has his work cut out for him in Jab Tak Hai Jaan

“Sir, but my spoken English is not good”, said Ramesh.

His boss replied, “You have your work cut out for you, son. Join a training course which gives you plenty of better spoken English practice. I learnt it the same way”

Alright, so you’d have guessed, the target phrase is to have your work cut out for you.

Before we go on to discuss the meaning and usage, let’s check out some more examples:

1. The workers are demoralized, the finances are in a shambles and the shareholders are concerned. The new MD has his work neatly cut out for him.
2. The allegations against the senior minister are out in the open and the court has ordered an enquiry. CBI has its work cut out for it.
3. The hockey team of this college has never won a single match in the last 10 years. You are one of the most famous hockey coaches sir and here, you have your task cut out for you.

Task being cut out for you means you have a very difficult job to do and chances are that a lot of people would be watching you.

Let’s close with some more examples:

1. With a murder being reported everyday, the task is cut out for the new SP. He would need to show results soon as people are running out of patience.
2. The troops’ morale is low and they have suffered heavy setbacks on several fronts. The new Commanding Officer has his work cut out for him – reorganize the men and put the will to fight back in them.
3. You have your work cut out for you. Get me this lead and you retain your job. If you can’t, then both of us lose ours.
4. His last few movies having flopped, SRK has his task cut out for him. If his next movie too fails to stir up the box office, he can kiss his King Khan status goodbye.