手てがかかる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be a handful; require a lot of care; be demanding

Describes a person, task, or thing that demands considerable time, effort, or attention. Often used for children, pets, or complicated work.

• 小ちいさい子こどもは本ほん当とうに手てがかかる。

  Small children really are a handful.

• この仕し事ごとは思おもったより手てがかかる。

  This job is more demanding than I thought.