1
general::
Phrase(s): a tough act to follow [and] a hard act to follow
Fig. a difficult presentation or performance to follow or improve upon with one’s own performance. • Bill’s speech was excellent. It was a tough act to follow, but my speech was good also. • In spite of the fact that I had a tough act to follow, I did my best.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs