expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
troublesome; demanding; laborious
Describes a person, task, or thing that requires a lot of care, effort, or attention; often implies a burden on the one dealing with it. Used prenominally (before a noun).
See also: 手がかかる
Some people say that the more demanding a child is, the cuter they are.
This is a laborious dish, so let's make it when we have plenty of time.
Standard kanji-kana spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Alternate kanji spelling using 掛かる; less common but still encountered.
From 手 (hand/effort) + の (possessive particle) + かかる (to take/require), literally 'requiring hands/effort'. The expression is idiomatic and commonly used as a prenominal modifier.