a rough ride

a rough ride

A tough time. If you think going to graduate school while working a full-time job is easy, you're in for a rough ride!
See also: ride, rough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a rough ride

or

a bumpy ride

COMMON If someone has a rough ride or a bumpy ride, they experience a lot of problems or opposition when they are trying to do something. The Prime Minister is likely to face a rough ride in parliament today from the opposition. The proposed changes are not popular with all of the board and the chief executive's bumpy ride is far from over. Note: You can say that someone has an easy ride, meaning that they do not experience many problems or much opposition. You don't come into politics expecting an easy ride.
See also: ride, rough
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a rough (or easy) ride

a difficult (or easy) time doing something.
See also: ride, rough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a bumpy ride
  • bumpy
  • have an easy ride
  • ride herd on, to
  • thanks for the ride
  • give (one) a bumpy ride
  • give somebody/have a bumpy ride
  • after a fashion
  • ride about
  • ride about (something)
References in periodicals archive
It is a rough ride. That's the way it is." Mr Blair, who is touring the country campaigning for next month's local and euro elections, brushed aside questions about his leadership saying: "You just put it to one side and get on with the job.
THE PREMIERSHIP; I am like a football manager. Life is tough. It is a rough ride. That's the way it is.. froth and bubble - TONY BLAIR YESTERDAY