a rough passage

a rough passage

A particularly difficult, trying, or unpleasant experience. Despite the romanticized image we have now, America's early pioneers faced a rough passage of starvation, disease, and murder in their journey west. The markets have had a rough passage over the past week, as threats of a trade war has made investors skittish.
See also: passage, rough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a rough passage

a difficult time or experience.
See also: passage, rough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • passage
  • learn (something) the hard way
  • learn the hard way
  • find (something) out the hard way
  • have an accident
  • come to a bad end
  • come to a bad/sticky end
  • hard way, the
  • get a taste of (one's) own medicine
  • heave a sigh of relief
References in periodicals archive
After a rough passage, they arrive at Bluff Cove early on Sunday.