Question

in_the_loop_332 a person or thing that is so good that the person or thing that follows may not measure up to the same standard The expression probably originates from the time of vaudeville when a show consisted of several acts, each by different actors. It was hard to succeed if one’s act followed another that was extremely popular, because the audience would compare the two and expect the second act to measure up to the high standard of the first.

Accepted Answer

HARD ACT TO FOLLOW The last manager of this department was hard-working and well-liked by everyone. I doubt anyone else will be as good as she was—she will be a hard act to follow.My job here is fun, stimulating, and the pay is good. If I ever leave, it will be a hard act to follow.

Id	in_the_loop_332
Idiom	HARD ACT TO FOLLOW
Definition	a person or thing that is so good that the person or thing that follows may not measure up to the same standard
Examples	The last manager of this department was hard-working and well-liked by everyone. I doubt anyone else will be as good as she was—she will be a hard act to follow. My job here is fun, stimulating, and the pay is good. If I ever leave, it will be a hard act to follow.
Extra Info	The expression probably originates from the time of vaudeville when a show consisted of several acts, each by different actors. It was hard to succeed if one’s act followed another that was extremely popular, because the audience would compare the two and expect the second act to measure up to the high standard of the first.

Act Hard Follow Person Thing Good Measure Standard