ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a time of it

idiom
Meaning

To undergo a painful or difficult experience.


Examples
SIMPLE

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

CONTEXTUAL

After the storm destroyed their roof, the family really had a time of it trying to find a place to stay.

COMPLEX

The elderly traveler, lost in the unfamiliar city during the blizzard, certainly had a time of it before finally finding shelter.

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

    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.

  8. 08

    burn time

    To waste time unnecessarily.

Last updated April 17, 2026