# trials and tribulations

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/trials-and-tribulations
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Unpleasant experiences that put one's endurance and strength to the test.

## Examples

- Life is full of trials and tribulations.
- After all the trials and tribulations of starting a new business, she finally feels successful.
- The memoir details the author's trials and tribulations while traveling across the continent during the war.

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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.