# have a rough time of it

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-rough-time-of-it
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To have many problems; to have a difficult time.

## Examples

- He is having a rough time of it lately.
- After losing her job and moving to a new city, she is really having a rough time of it.
- Although he rarely complained, it was evident to his colleagues that he was having a rough time of it while managing the project alone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.