# rough patch

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rough-patch
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A difficult or embattling period of one's life.

## Examples

- Every relationship goes through a rough patch sometimes.
- My business is going through a rough patch, but I am confident that things will improve soon.
- Although their marriage hit a particularly rough patch during the winter, they worked together to rebuild their trust and eventually emerged stronger than before.

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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.