手てごわい

i-adjective

tough; formidable; difficult to deal with

Describes opponents, tasks, or situations that are unexpectedly strong, resistant, or hard to overcome. Often implies a challenge that requires effort or skill.

• 次つぎの試し合あいの相あい手ては手てごわい。

  Our next opponent is tough.

• この問もん題だいは手てごわくて、なかなか解とけない。

  This problem is so difficult that I just can't solve it.