tough row to hoe

a hard time. Something is being very hard to deal with. Also "it hit me for a row", same meaning but an unexpected loss, difficult crisis.
Farmers used to use a hoe to plant things or to hack at a row of dirt to break it up or kill weeds. Sometimes, you feel like a row of hacking and hoeing is about to wear you down because it's a lot of work.
Growing up in Texas, I heard some old-timers (born before 1900) say this.

My son was arrested last night and was slapped with felony possession charges. He's always in trouble and I'm not sure what to do anymore. This has sure been a tough row to hoe.

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