go through a sticky patch

go through a sticky patch

To experience or be in the midst of a period of trouble, difficulty, or hardship. Her business has been going through a bit of a sticky patch lately. If things don't pick up soon, she might have to close shop. Our marriage went through a sticky patch after Frank lost his job, but now our relationship is stronger than ever.
See also: go, patch, sticky, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go through, hit, etc. a ˈbad/ˈsticky patch

come to a difficult time in your business, marriage, etc: We’ve struck a bad patch in our marriage. High inflation meant that her business went through a sticky patch.
See also: bad, go, patch, sticky
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • go through a bad patch
  • go through, hit, etc. a bad/sticky patch
  • hit a sticky patch
  • go through a rough patch
  • have a rough patch
  • hit a bad patch
  • a rough patch
  • be in a sticky situation
  • be (batting) on a sticky wicket
  • have a rough trot
References in periodicals archive
"Every team through the season will go through a sticky patch," the 32-year-old centre-back added.
We can still go up, says Ashley
But ahead of an FA Cup replay at Newcastle tomorrow, City striker Barmby said: "We knew we'd go through a sticky patch, it's about how we respond.
BARMBY: NO PANIC