ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rough sledding

idiom
Meaning

A difficult period of time.


Examples
SIMPLE

Learning a new language is rough sledding at first.

CONTEXTUAL

The team faced rough sledding during the first few months of the project because of the budget cuts.

COMPLEX

Despite his initial optimism, he soon discovered that navigating the complex bureaucracy of the new department would be rough sledding for the foreseeable future.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cut up rough

    To become angry; to make a fuss.

  2. 02

    have a rough time of it

    To have many problems; to have a difficult time.

  3. 03

    rough and ready

    Crude or unpolished, but still fit for use; good enough.

  4. 04

    rough around the edges

    In need of refinement; unsophisticated.

  5. 05

    rough justice

    Treatment or punishment that is not considered fair or in accordance with the law.

  6. 06

    rough out

    To produce (a plan, diagram etc.) in rough.

  7. 07

    rough patch

    A difficult or embattling period of one's life.

  8. 08

    rough sleeper

    A homeless person who sleeps outdoors.

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