1
general::
Phrase(s): a hard act to follow
Go to a tough act to follow.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Also, tough act to follow. An outstanding performance or individual. For example, Lucy was a terrific group leader?? hers is a hard act to follow, or Bob's record is excellentit will be a tough act to follow. This expression, dating from about 1900, was originally used for a particularly good vaudeville act that made the next act look poor by comparison. It soon was extended to other enterprises.
American Heritage Idioms