hard act to follow
Tough standard set
A hard act to follow is someone or something so impressive that whoever comes next faces an unfair comparison.
The phrase comes from variety shows, where a spectacular performance made the next act seem dull by contrast: She was a hard act to follow—the best boss I ever had.
Often used to compliment predecessors while acknowledging the challenge they've left behind.
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- predecessorOne who came first
- paragonFlawless model to emulate
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- performanceCarrying out a task
exemplar · groundbreaking · precedent · formidable · standard · high water mark · successor · unforgettable · pinnacle · epitome · masterful · iconic · trailblazer · inspiring · legendary · ideal · quintessence · one of a kind
hard act to followtough act to follow
Standard difficult to surpass
low bar · nothing special · unremarkable · disappointment · letdown
hard act to followrock bottom
Lowest possible level
bare minimum · lowest common denominator · no pressure · clean slate · fresh start
hard act to followlow bar
Undemanding criterion
nothing special · forgettable · underwhelming · unimpressive · lackluster
hard, follow, harder, hardest, harden, hardened, hardening, hardness, hardly