if you are hard put to do something, it is not likely that you will be able to do it.
You'd be hard put to find a better school for your kids.She'll be hard put to buy her own home on what she earns.
be hard put
To struggle to do or accomplish something, especially because it seems impossible. You'll be hard put to find a better guy than Bill.Come on—if we don't leave soon, we'll be hard put to get there on time.