ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a hard time of it

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of have a rough time of it.


Examples
SIMPLE

He is having a hard time of it at his new job.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the company closed down, my neighbor has been having a hard time of it finding steady work.

COMPLEX

Despite his outward confidence, the young man was clearly having a hard time of it as he struggled to adapt to the harsh realities of life in the city.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  7. 07

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  8. 08

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

Last updated April 17, 2026